Aims

Marlow Writers’ Society is open to all members interested in any form of creative writing. We aim to help the pursuance of creative writing within an atmosphere of friendship, respect and care for each other. In particular, we aim to treat every member equally, regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Accessibility

All our meetings and events are held in venues that are accessible to wheelchair users. When there are more than 40 people at an event we aim to use a PA system and a hearing loop. When we organise outings for our members we provide free places for carers of members who can only attend if they bring a carer. We are committed to ensuring any member of Marlow Writers’ Society is able to attend our activities, so we will reassess our access requirements to meet the needs of new members.

Diversity

Our Society belongs to all members. We aim to organise a range of events and activities to suit the interests and meet the needs of a wide variety of people. The Society should be open to new ideas, and particularly prioritise opportunities for local residents to share their cultural heritage with one another.

Inclusion and respect

Every member of Marlow Writers’ Society should be made to feel equally welcome and included at all Marlow Writers’ Society meetings and events. Sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic or otherwise offensive and inflammatory remarks and behaviour are not acceptable. These constitute harassment and have no place in the Society.

Dealing with discrimination and harassment

If any member feels they have been discriminated against by the Society or harassed at an Society event they should raise this with the committee. The committee will investigate the complaint, listening to all members involved. (If the complaint is against a committee member, that member will not be part of conducting the investigation). If the complaint is against a particular individual, this person will have the opportunity to express their point of view, accompanied by a friend.

The person making the complaint will also have this opportunity. If the complaint is against the Society as a whole, the committee must work to ensure that such discrimination is not repeated in the future and must inform the members of how they propose to do this.

Any decision to exclude a person from the organisation due to discriminatory or harassing behaviour will be made with reference to the Society’s constitution. The Society will support people who feel they have been harassed or discriminated against and will not victimise or treat them less well because they have raised this matter.