Welcome to Our Community

Gather RI welcomes members, guests, visitors, and volunteers to our spaces. Our Code of Conduct ensures that all who enter our space have equitable access and can experience respite, joy, and connection when gathering, attending programs, visiting our Portrait

Gallery, Biographical Library, or participating in any events carried out by Gather RI.

Gather RI is built to be a diverse and intersectional space that prioritizes building community,

relationships, and networks through in-person gathering. Your care for our community and fellow visitors is essential to creating the restorative and purposeful environment we hope to build.

For any questions or concerns, please speak with a staff member or contact us at info@gatherri.org.

1. Community Standards

We ask that you bring an ethic of care and consideration to our space, exercising respect in your speech and actions while in Gather RI's spaces.

Zero Tolerance for Harassment and Disruptive Behavior

All visitors are expected to conduct themselves in a civil and courteous manner at all times.

Prohibited behaviors include but are not limited to:

• Harassment: Unwelcome verbal or physical conduct, intimidation, stalking, following, sustained disruption, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome attention of any kind.

• Disruptive Behavior: Loud or disruptive conversations that interfere with others' ability to enjoy the space, inappropriate or offensive language, loitering without purpose, monopolizing shared resources, or any behavior that creates an uncomfortable environment for other visitors.

• Discrimination and Bias: Gather RI prohibits discriminatory language or behavior based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, socioeconomic status, or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.

• Weapons and Dangerous Items: Weapons of any kind, including but not limited to firearms, knives, pepper spray, or any item that could be used as a weapon or to intimidate others, are strictly prohibited on Gather RI premises. This policy applies to all areas including outdoor spaces and parking areas. Law enforcement and security personnel are exempt when acting in their official capacity.

Any of these behaviors may result in immediate removal from the premises and/or suspension of visiting privileges.

Respect Our Space

All visitors are expected to respect the property, collections, furnishings, assets, and equipment of Gather RI and of other individuals in the building. Defacing or otherwise damaging Biographical Library, Portrait Gallery, or other Gather RI property is strictly prohibited. Any damage must be reported to Gather RI staff immediately.

Respect Each Other's Identity

We want each member and visitor of Gather RI to feel seen and valued in our communal space. Please be mindful of others' pronouns and chosen names. If you're uncertain, politely ask. Misgendering or deadnaming, whether intentional or repeated after correction, is not acceptable.

Privacy and Consent

Respect the privacy of other members and Gather RI staff. Do not share personal information of other visitors without their explicit consent. This includes contact information, personal details shared in conversation, and photographic images.

Appropriate Attire

We ask that all visitors dress appropriately for a shared community space. This includes wearing shoes and shirts at all times. Clothing with offensive, discriminatory, or explicitly sexual imagery or language is not permitted. We trust our community to use good judgment in dressing respectfully for a space that welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds.

Lawful Use Only

You agree to use Gather RI only for lawful purposes. You will not use Gather RI for any unlawful purpose, including anything that may damage or interfere with the space or the ability of other people to use the spaces.

2. Facility Guidelines

Hours of Operation

Gather RI’s regular business hours are generally Tuesday through Saturday, except local bank/government holidays and scheduled closures as noted on our website. In the event of disruption or unexpected closure, Gather RI will communicate changes through our website, social media, and email communications.

Personal Devices and Technology

• Phones: In the interests of maintaining a peaceful environment, all visitors must keep phones and personal devices on vibrate or silent while on the premises. Phone calls are not permitted in the Portrait Gallery or Biographical Library. Staff may request you silence your device or step outside for phone calls.

• Laptops and Tablets: Personal computers and tablets may be used with consideration for others. Use headphones for any audio content.

• Audio Devices: When using headphones or earbuds in shared spaces, keep volume at a level that does not disturb others. Audio without headphones is not permitted except in reserved areas.

Recording and Photography

Recording audio or video of other visitors without their explicit consent is strictly prohibited. This includes live streaming or video calls that may capture other visitors. See Section 4 for photography guidelines.

Infants, Children and Youth

Infants, children, and youth under 18 are welcome in our Portrait Gallery, Biographical Library, and first floor Patio, provided they do not disrupt other visitors' experience. They must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times. In order to create an atmosphere of rest, respite, and community, the Haven is designated as an adult-only space for members 18 years and older.

Food and Beverages

To help preserve the collections in our Portrait Gallery and Biographical Library, please only consume beverages with secure, spill-proof lids in these spaces. Food, apart from special events, is not permitted in the Portrait Gallery or Biographical Library.

Solicitation and Campaigning

To maintain our welcoming environment for all community members, visitors may not actively solicit, campaign for political office, or distribute materials for commercial or political purposes on our premises except if they have reserved a room for this purpose.

Smoking and Vaping

Gather RI is a smoke-free building. Smoking, vaping, and use of any tobacco, e-cigarette, or cannabis products is prohibited in any area of the building, including restrooms, terrace, patio, and within 25 feet of the building entrance.

Animals

Pets are not permitted in Gather RI's spaces (including our exterior patio and terrace). Service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act are welcome. Pets may not be left unattended within 25 feet of the building.

Parking

Gather RI has two parking spaces in our lot, one designated as accessible parking. Additional neighborhood and street parking is available. Parking in neighboring lots at 201 Broadway, 185 Broadway, or the private lot between 22 and 28 Ringold St. is prohibited and may result in towing.

3. Safety & Security

Surveillance

Gather RI uses video surveillance for community safety. While in our spaces, you may be monitored and recorded.

Personal Responsibility

You are responsible for your own safety and the security of your personal items while at Gather RI. Gather RI is not liable for theft, damage, or loss of personal property on the premises.

Personal Property and Insurance

You should maintain appropriate insurance to cover personal property used at Gather RI.

Gather RI provides lockers on the first floor for temporary storage of personal belongings. Overnight storage of belongings is not permitted, and lockers will be cleaned on a weekly basis.

Items left behind become the property of Gather RI after 30 days and may be donated or discarded. It is your responsibility to retrieve all personal items before leaving.

Emergency Procedures

In case of emergency, follow staff instructions immediately. Emergency exits are clearly marked. Report any safety concerns to staff promptly.

4. Photography & Documentation

General Documentation

Gather RI reserves the right to photograph or video visitors and program participants for promotional purposes. Resulting images may be used in publications and communications. Visitors will be notified when documentation is occurring and may request to be excluded. No photos of children will be used without written permission from a parent or guardian.

Portrait Gallery Photography

Visitors may photograph artwork in the Portrait Gallery for personal use. To create a respectful environment, you may not photograph other visitors without their explicit verbal consent. Flash photography, tripods, and selfie sticks are prohibited. Professional equipment requires advance permission.

Special Projects

Gather RI accommodates approved film and photography projects with advance notice. Contact info@gatherri.org at least three weeks prior. All project details and equipment will be reviewed. Projects must align with our mission and may not imply Gather RI's endorsement of external products, institutions, or viewpoints.

Personal and Commercial Photography

Personal photo shoots and commercial photography require express written permission. Submit requests to info@gatherri.org for individual review.

5. Alcohol Policy

Gather RI is primarily an alcohol-free space. Occasionally, we host events where alcohol may be served by RI TIPS-certified bartenders in compliance with Rhode Island State Law. Alcohol must be consumed responsibly and within designated areas. Over-consumption or disruptive behavior will result in immediate removal.

6. Biographical Library

All visitors may read materials in the Biographical Library within designated areas during operating hours. Additional borrowing privileges are available to Gather RI members.

7. Enforcement and Accountability

Reporting Concerns

If you witness or experience a violation of this Code of Conduct, please report it immediately to any staff member or email info@gatherri.org. All reports will be taken seriously and handled with appropriate confidentiality.

Consequences

Violations may result in:

• Verbal warning and education

• Temporary removal from premises

• Suspension of visiting privileges

• Permanent ban from all Gather RI spaces and programs

The severity of consequences will match the nature of the violation. Gather RI reserves the right to involve law enforcement when necessary.

This Code of Conduct applies to all visitors, members, volunteers, and staff, and may be updated as needed. Current version effective July 2, 2025.

For questions about specific policies, please contact Gather RI staff at info@gatherri.org or speak with any team member during your visit.