Event Guidelines

Community Guidelines for Public & Facility Use Events at Hugo House

Hugo House is a place to read words, hear words, and make your own words better. Hugo House does not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any kind; our intention is to create a space in which every participant feels safe. Please alert staff if you experience or witness any harassment or discrimination during any of our events.

The following guidelines are intended to help you and fellow event attendees experience our events with compassion, curiosity, and consideration.

Whether you’re attending a reading, hosting a gathering, or participating in a public event at our space, you’re part of our literary community—and we ask that you help us uphold an environment that is respectful, inclusive, and safe for all.

 

Our Shared Values

Hugo House is committed to being a space where all people, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, or background to feel welcome, heard, and valued. We do not tolerate harassment, discrimination, or oppressive behavior of any kind. This includes (but is not limited to) racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, and other forms of marginalization or harm.

If you experience or witness harassment or discrimination at a Hugo House event, please alert a staff member immediately. Our staff is here to support you and take appropriate action.

 

Event Participation Guidelines

Whether you’re here to listen, perform, speak, or host, we ask that all event participants follow these community expectations:

• Be respectful. Treat others with kindness, curiosity, and consideration. Celebrate the diversity of voices in the room.
• Practice consent and care. If your work or remarks include potentially triggering material (such as violence or trauma), please offer a content warning before sharing.
• Honor the space. Hugo House is a place for creative expression and exchange. Please refrain from behavior that is disruptive, discriminatory, or disrespectful to others.
• Respect boundaries. Do not interrupt speakers, monopolize discussions, or engage in unwanted personal interactions.
• Technology etiquette. Silence or set aside phones and personal devices unless you are using them for accessibility or event-related purposes.

 

Confidentiality & Respect for Creative Work

Much of what is shared at Hugo House on stage or in private discussion is deeply personal and often vulnerable. We ask attendees to:

• Treat creative work with respect. Do not record, publish, or share someone else’s words or ideas outside the event without their explicit permission.
• Honor intellectual and emotional privacy. What is shared in the space should stay in the space, unless stated otherwise.

 

Accountability & Reporting

If harm occurs during a public or facility use event:

• Hugo House staff will respond promptly and seriously to reports.
• Actions may include direct conversation, formal warning, or removal from the premises, depending on the situation and its severity.
• Repeated or serious violations may result in loss of access to Hugo House programs and spaces.

 

Respecting the Physical Space

• Use designated public areas; some spaces are reserved for staff and instructors.
• Clean up after yourself and respect event setup and teardown times.
• If you’re hosting an event, follow all rental or use agreements, including occupancy limits and equipment guidelines.

 

We’re in This Together

Creating a truly inclusive literary space is ongoing work. We know that mistakes may happen, and we are committed to addressing them with honesty, care, and accountability. Thank you for helping us make Hugo House a welcoming and inspiring place for all.

Event Guideline Violations

If you would like to report a violation of event guidelines, please send us an event violation report here.