Bay Area Sacred Harp (BASH) welcomes all who gather in kindness and mutual respect. We aim to create a diverse, inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of:
age, religion (or lack thereof), singing experience or ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, ethnicity, nationality, language, politics, education, disability, physical appearance, socio-economic status or other category.
We want our community and singing spaces to be built upon a culture of support and consent, with no tolerance for harassment or abuse of power.
Building this environment is every singer’s responsibility. We look forward to singing and working together to maintain a respectful community by:
- Seeking consent in our interpersonal interactions. Consent means nothing less than an enthusiastic “yes.” If someone tells you “no,” asks you to leave them alone, or appears uncomfortable, respect their wishes.
- Observing and respecting the boundaries of others.
- Being conscious of our own actions and how they affect others.
- Speaking out against harassment and disrespect toward you or others, even if it seems unintentional. The person making you feel unwelcome may not be aware of what they are doing, and politely bringing their behavior to their attention is encouraged.
- Receiving feedback with graciousness and kindness.
- Being aware of how we share spaces and time.
If you experience something at odds with our community values or have questions about these guidelines, please seek out a BASH board member or the all-day singing chair or vice chair.
Thank you: This document is based on the work of singers from the New York City All-Day Singing, Western Mass Sacred Harp Community, and UK Sacred Harp Convention.
Bay Area Sacred Harp (BASH) Statement of Community, adopted by the membership on May 18, 2020.
Bay Area Sacred Harp 