**by registering for this event you consent to the RSA Event Code of Conduct**

Ranchers Stewardship Alliance, Inc.

EVENT Code of Conduct

Mission

Ranchers Stewardship Alliance, Inc. (“RSA”) exists to help multi-generational and beginning ranchers build collaborative, trusting relationships and community-based solutions as they steward healthy working landscapes and encourage vibrant rural communities.

RSA believes in a future where ranching and rural communities in the Northern Great Plains are so successful that ranch families never need to consider selling or transitioning their land out of production agriculture. Opportunities are abundant for new agriculturalists. RSA preserved the integrity of working lands so that people, economies, wildlife, and natural landscapes may flourish.

Purpose

To help provide a safe and productive environment for Participants, this Event Code of Conduct (“Code”) establishes minimum expectations of conduct for all individuals (including attendees, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, staff, contractors, volunteers, award recipients, and other guests, collectively referred to as “Participants”) who participate in any manner in RSA events, including conferences, meetings, webinars, social gatherings, and other activities held, sponsored, or affiliated with RSA, whether in person or virtual (each, an “Event”).

By attending an RSA Event, you agree to abide by this Code. This Code is intended to supplement any other applicable RSA policies and may be revised at any time without further notice. RSA intends for the policies and provisions herein to be compliant and construed in accordance with applicable law.

Scope

This Code of Conduct applies to all Events held at any venue, hotel, meeting room, office location, off-site location, or internet platform where an RSA-sponsored conference, meeting, or other Event (including social Event) is held. Everyone participating in an RSA Event is required to abide by the following guidelines:

1.Expected Conduct

We invite you to help us make each Event an experience that is welcoming and respectful to all participants. Participants are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, to communicate with respect and consideration for others, to encourage collaboration and participation, to embrace diversity and inclusivity, and to refrain from conduct that is (or may be perceived to be) harmful to themselves, other participants, or RSA.

The following behaviors are expected of all Event Participants:

• Behaving in a courteous and professional manner.
• Treating all participants with respect, dignity, and consideration, in the spirit of valuing a diversity of views and opinions.
• Welcoming all voices, whether participating in-person or remotely.
• Being considerate, respectful, and collaborative in your communication and actions.
• Discussing differences and critiquing ideas, not people, in a non-confrontational manner with due regard for the viewpoints of others.
• Refraining from demeaning, discriminatory,  or harassing behavior and speech.
• If using a webcam, maintaining a professional presence.
• Reporting suspected inappropriate behavior directed at yourself or others.
• Respecting the rules, policies, and property of RSA and its contracted Event facilities and vendors.
• Complying with the direction of meeting leaders/organizers, and all applicable laws and regulations.
• RSA employees are reminded that as representatives of RSA, they are expected to conduct themselves professionally and respectfully throughout the Event, upholding the values and reputation of RSA.

2.prohibited Conduct

Violations of this Code include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Discriminatory conduct based on race, sex (including sexual orientation), age, disability,  national origin, ethnicity, political affiliation, religion, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
• Harassment, meaning unwelcome or offensive verbal comments, visual displays, or physical contact directed at any Participant, including conduct, comments, or images that a person would reasonably find offensive.
• Sexual harassment, meaning unwelcome, unsolicited, and unreciprocated sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other physical conduct, comments, or gestures of a sexual nature that has or that might reasonably be expected to be perceived to offend, humiliate, or intimidate another person.
• Deliberate intimidation, threatening, stalking, or following.
• Conducting oneself in a manner that is unruly, disruptive, or unprofessional, or that endangers the health or safety of yourself or others, including alcohol over-intoxication or overindulgence.
• Actual or threatened pushing, shoving, or use of any physical force or weapon of any kind against any person.
• Possession of prohibited items including, but not limited to weapons of any kind, illegal drugs or alcohol not served by venue personnel, RSA personnel, or officially designated suppliers.
• Destruction, theft, dismantlement, defacement, abuse, or intentional misuse of RSA or RSA-contracted venues, property, equipment, signage, or supplies.
• Failure to comply with directions of Event leaders, Event venue personnel, or RSA staff regarding Event operations.
• Retaliation or threat of retaliation against Participants for reporting activity they reasonably believed to be in violation of this Code.
• Knowingly and falsely reporting violations of this Code in bad faith.

This Code is not intended to be all inclusive, and conduct issues may arise that this Code does not address. In such cases, as in all others, Participants are expected to follow the direction of RSA staff who will take appropriate action to ensure the safety, security, and wellbeing of all participants.

3.COnsequences of Engagement in Prohibited Conduct

RSA has a zero-tolerance policy regarding prohibited conduct. Participants asked to stop any inappropriate conduct are expected to comply immediately. RSA, in its sole discretion, will determine the nature of the Participant’s conduct that warrants corrective action as well as the corrective action to be taken. Corrective action may take any of the following forms: verbal warning, expulsion from the Event without refund or credit, bar from future RSA Events, and/or notifying appropriate authorities including the Participant’s employer or law enforcement. The decisions of RSA are final.

RSA Employees are likewise subject to consequences for violations of this Policy in accordance with the RSA Employee handbook, up to and including termination of employment and/or notification of appropriate authorities, including law enforcement.

4.Reporting Unacceptable behavior

Violations of this Code are taken seriously. Please promptly report any concerns about inappropriate conduct to RSA staff present at the Event. If an RSA staff member is the subject of a complaint or if you are not comfortable reporting a complaint to a RSA staff member onsite, you are encouraged to bring your complaint to Angel DeVries, RSA’s Executive Director at admin@ranchstewards.org.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, or if you see something suspicious or would like to report a security issue or emergency, please contact Event venue security or local law enforcement.

Thank you for keeping RSA’s Events professional, welcoming, and respectful to all.

Code of Conduct Endorsed by RSA Board of Directors on August 12, 2025.