Chicago Historical Costume Society Code of Conduct

Mission Statement and Purpose

The Chicago Historical Costume Society (CHCS) is dedicated to making the study, wearing, preservation, and re-creation of historical clothing more accessible in the Chicagoland area. Through monthly programming of vibrant in-person and online events, we strive to provide our diverse community with tangible ways to connect with fashion history. We believe that learning about the history of clothing and wearing historical fashions can help people appreciate our shared histories, feel empowered to see themselves represented in history, and become more responsible clothing consumers. 

To do this, we need to ensure our space is welcoming for everyone. The definitions and Code of Conduct outlined below are meant to provide positive guidance toward meeting these expectations. 

This policy affirms that Chicago Historical Costume Society is committed to providing an environment that is respectful, professional, safe, accepting, and free from inappropriate and abusive behavior. The policy covers the members of the Board of Directors, committees, members, guests, and all others who engage with CHCS through events, activities, and/or online platforms. 

Membership

Residents of the Chicagoland area or those willing to travel are eligible for a free or paid membership [Golden Scissors Membership*]. Paid membership is required to access Golden Scissors events and activities.  Paying dues also may provide discounted ticket rates for certain paid events open to the larger group.  

Membership in good standing requires being current with dues payments (if applicable) as well as adhering to this Code of Conduct. 

The Board of Directors shall determine on an annual basis, and at any time deemed advisable, the amount of dues and any exemption from dues payments. Dues are collected through an online payment platform and are used to fund club events and activities. 

*Golden Scissors Membership here means subscribing to one of the paid monthly tiers of the Chicago Historical Costume Society that are managed via the Ko-Fi platform, which collects donations one-time and monthly. A standard membership is $2 per month. One-time donation to the CHCS Ko-Fi ensures perpetual Golden Scissors Discord access, but an active monthly subscription is required to be considered a dues-paying member and to received the Golden Scissors discounted rate on event tickets and access to Golden Scissors events. Pricing subject to change.  

Respect & Fairness

The Chicago Historical Costume Society is committed to creating and promoting an environment where all members of the organization treat one another with dignity and respect. All members must understand that discrimination, bullying, or harassment in any form is not tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to: racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, elitism, and classism. 

All members will respect the knowledge, insight, experience, and expertise of others, regardless of their costuming/sewing abilities, career, social media statistics, and/or length of CHCS affiliation. 

Bullying

CHCS defines bullying as behavior that is offensive, intimidating, malicious, or insulting and includes abuse and misuse of power through means intended to undermine, humiliate, denigrate, or injure the recipient. Bullying does not need to be deliberate: a person may be demonstrating bullying behavior that falls within the above definition, without intention. Whether intentional or unintentional, bullying is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Bullying often results from a misuse of individual power derived from perceived status/position, physical strength, or force of personality. It can also arise from collective power created by the strength of numbers.  

Harassment

CHCS defines harassment as any unwelcome verbal or physical behavior, including sexual advances, when the unwanted conduct has the purpose or effect of either violating another person’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, or offensive environment. Harassment does not need to be deliberate; a person can harass another person without a specific intent to harm and may be unaware of the impact. Some conduct situations may be considered harassment if a single incident is deemed serious. In other situations, the conduct may become harassment if it is repeated or sustained.  

The following list provides examples of behaviors that would be considered harassment. Please note that this list is not exhaustive. 

  • Unwelcome physical contact or physical interaction: This may range from unnecessary touching or brushing against another’s body, physical assault, coercing sexual intercourse, physical threats, or insulting or abusive behaviors or gestures. This may also encompass invading someone’s “personal space” by standing very close to him/her where this is unnecessary.  

  • Unwelcome verbal conduct: This may include the making of remarks and comments about appearance or abilities, lewd comments, sexual advances, innuendo and banter, the making or repetition of offensive or stereotyped comments, jokes or songs, the making of threats, or the making of demeaning comments.  

  • Unwelcome written or visual interaction: This may include sending unwelcome or bullying emails, notes, or pictures, as well as displaying or sending offensive material on any social media/websites/blogs etc.  

  • Harassment, bullying and victimization of members, or by members by electronic methods.  

Given the degree of current reliance upon electronic means of communication, it should be specifically noted that harassment, bullying, and victimization by members by electronic means is unacceptable. 

Membership Code of Conduct

This document sets the Code of Conduct expected of all members of the Chicago Historical Costume Society and is a condition of membership. It applies to all members and those who engage with CHCS, irrespective of their membership type, the role they fulfill, or the jurisdiction in which they live or work.  

As a Member/Affiliate of the Chicago Historical Costume Society, I will:  

  • Abide by the rules as set out in the Chicago Historical Costume Society’s Code of Conduct;  

  • Uphold the reputation and good standing of CHCS;  

  • Act with integrity and respect toward others;  

  • Act, support, respect, and abide by the appropriate laws and policies in general that apply to personal conduct;  

  • Act in the general interest and will not use my position to unfairly benefit myself, my employer, or others;  

  • Promptly pay membership fees as part of continued membership and keep my information updated;  

  • Avoid conflicts of interest in accepting and carrying out any responsibility for CHCS, and, if a conflict of interest arises, will disclose the conflict and abstain or resign from affected CHCS responsibilities as appropriate;  

  • Not make any statement on behalf of CHCS or act to represent CHCS club in any official capacity through any public medium, including digital social media, unless authorized to do so by the CHCS Board of Directors; and must reject and will not make any offer of bribery or unethical inducement;  

  • Avoid engaging with another individual that violates the terms of this Code of Conduct, and will bring any concerns to the Board of Directors instead. 

  • Conduct all business with CHCS officers, members, and guests in a professional and respectful manner;  

Should a member fail to meet the conditions in this Code of Conduct through their behavior, the CHCS Board of Directors may, at its sole discretion, decide on the appropriate action to take. CHCS reserves the right to suspend/revoke membership or ban an individual from participating in CHCS activities in the event that they violate the Code of Conduct. The revocation proceedings are specified in the bylaws governing the Chicago Historical Costume Society. 

Updated 2025