Consent is a core part of how people show up in the DC burners community.
It’s about respecting boundaries, communicating clearly, and being mindful of how our actions impact others.
What do we mean by consent?
Consent means:
- asking before engaging
- listening to the answer
- respecting boundaries without pressure or assumption
It applies across many contexts, including:
- physical interaction
- photography
- participation in activities
- conversations and emotional space
Consent is ongoing
Consent isn’t a one-time checkbox.
It can:
- be withdrawn
- change over time
- look different in different situations
Paying attention and checking in matters.
Community care and accountability
Consent is connected to how we care for each other as a community.
That includes:
- being open to feedback
- adjusting behavior when something doesn’t land well
- taking responsibility when harm happens
No one gets it perfect all the time, what matters is how we respond.
The Eleventh Principle
Many people in the DC burners community talk about an “Eleventh Principle” centered around consent, accountability, and care.
It’s not formal or universal, but it reflects a shared understanding that:
how we treat each other matters as much as what we create together