Policies - Steps in Time
Steps in Time is committed to creating welcoming, family‑friendly events rooted in hospitality, tradition, and community.
To support that mission, we maintain clear policies that protect participants, ensure transparency, and promote accessibility.
Below you’ll find all of our organizational policies in one place. Each policy is written in Plain English so families, donors, and partners can quickly understand how we operate.
Core Policies
These policies appear in our website footer and apply to all visitors, participants, and donors.
Privacy Policy
We collect only the information needed to serve you, such as event registrations, email subscriptions, and donations. We never sell your data and use trusted third‑party services for payments and communications.
Terms of Use
By using our website, you agree to use it responsibly. All content belongs to Steps in Time. Misuse of the site, including spam or attempts to disrupt service, is prohibited.
Non-Discrimination Policy
We welcome everyone. We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, or any other protected category.
Accessibility Statement
We work to make our website and events accessible to all. If you encounter a barrier, please let us know so we can address it.
Donation & Refund Policy
Donations support our nonprofit mission and are generally non‑refundable. Mistaken donations may be reviewed upon request. Event ticket refunds follow the guidelines listed on each event page.
Event Participation & Safety Policies
These policies apply to anyone attending or participating in Steps in Time events.
Liability & Participation Policy
Dance activities involve movement and physical activity. By attending, you accept responsibility for your own safety and agree to follow staff instructions. Unsafe behavior may result in removal from the event. Steps in Time events are alcohol-free unless otherwise stated.
Youth Safety / Child Protection Policy
We prioritize the safety of children and teens. Adults must behave appropriately around minors. Concerns about unsafe behavior should be reported immediately.
Photo & Media Use Policy
We often take photos or video at events. We avoid identifying minors by name. If you prefer not to be photographed, let us know at check‑in and we will look to honor your request.
Accessibility & Special Accommodations Policy
Steps in Time strives to make events accessible and comfortable for all attendees.
Attendees with mobility, sensory, or other accommodation needs are encouraged to contact us prior to the event so we can assist as reasonably possible.
While we cannot guarantee all accommodations, we will make every effort to support a positive experience.
Food & Dietary Needs Policy
Steps in Time strives to accommodate dietary needs and food allergies whenever possible. When food is provided at our events, we make reasonable efforts to label ingredients and avoid common allergens.
Attendees with specific dietary restrictions or allergies are encouraged to contact us before the event so we can assist as reasonably possible.
While we do our best to support individual needs, we cannot guarantee that all food items will be free from allergens or cross‑contact.
Weather & Event Cancellation Policy
Steps in Time may postpone or cancel events due to weather, venue issues, or safety concerns.
Cancellation or postponement notices will be communicated through official channels as soon as possible.
Refunds or transfers will follow the guidelines posted for each event.
Volunteer & Operational Policies
These policies support safe, respectful, and well‑run events.
Volunteer Code of Conduct
Volunteers represent Steps in Time and are expected to act with kindness, professionalism, and integrity. Unsafe or inappropriate behavior may result in removal from volunteer duties. Volunteers may not serve while under the influence of alcohol or substances.
Alcohol & Event Environment Policy
Steps in Time hosts family‑friendly, alcohol‑free events. We do not serve alcohol and do not permit attendees to bring alcohol to our events.
Volunteers and staff must not arrive under the influence of alcohol or any substance that could impair judgment, safety, or professionalism. Anyone who appears impaired may be dismissed from volunteer duties or asked to leave the event.
Steps in Time may provide calling or announcing services for outside organizations that choose to include alcohol at their events; however, our own events remain alcohol‑free.
Dress Code & Modesty Policy
Steps in Time strives to create a welcoming, family‑friendly environment at all events. We ask attendees to dress in a way that reflects modesty, comfort, and respect for the decorum of our programs.
Signature events such as HOCO and Prom include specific dress guidelines, which are published with each event. These guidelines help preserve the atmosphere and experience of the event for everyone.
While we do our best to communicate expectations clearly in advance, we reserve the right to address attire that significantly conflicts with the stated guidelines or the overall environment of the event. Our goal is always to handle these situations graciously and respectfully.
Volunteers and staff are expected to model attire that reflects the standards and tone of Steps in Time events.
Respectful Social Interaction Policy
Steps in Time encourages a warm, welcoming environment where attendees may choose to engage socially at their own comfort level. We promote kindness, courtesy, and positive interaction, but participation in social activities — including dancing — is always voluntary.
Not being asked to dance, choosing not to smile, or preferring limited interaction does not constitute bullying or harassment. Attendees are free to engage at their own pace, and others are not required to initiate social interaction.
We ask all participants to be respectful, gracious, and mindful of others’ comfort. Volunteers may offer gentle encouragement to help attendees feel included, but no one is obligated to dance or interact beyond their comfort level.
Kindness & Community Behavior Policy
Steps in Time strives to maintain a warm, welcoming environment where all attendees feel safe and respected. Unkind behavior, intimidation, or actions intended to make others feel uncomfortable are not permitted at any event.
We encourage attendees to treat one another with courtesy, kindness, and consideration. Volunteers and staff may address behavior that disrupts the event environment or makes others feel unsafe.
Our goal is always to handle concerns graciously and preserve a positive experience for everyone.
Dance Floor Safety & Etiquette Policy
Steps in Time promotes a safe and enjoyable dance environment. Attendees should be aware of their surroundings, avoid collisions, and follow the general flow of the dance floor.
Gentle courtesy is expected: offer a hand when appropriate, guide safely, and avoid rough or overly forceful movement.
Volunteers may assist in maintaining a safe dance environment and may address behavior that creates risk or discomfort for others.
Venue Rules
Some venues have their own rules regarding food, footwear, photography, or facility use. Participants agree to follow posted venue guidelines in addition to Steps in Time policies.
Emergency Procedures
In an emergency, follow instructions from staff and volunteers. We coordinate with venue personnel to ensure clear exits, safe practices, and quick response.
Lost & Found / Personal Belongings Policy
Attendees are responsible for their personal belongings during all Steps in Time events.
Items left behind will be collected and held for a limited period. Steps in Time cannot guarantee the security or recovery of lost items.
Valuable items may be turned in to event staff for temporary safekeeping.
Ticket Transfer & Attendance Policy
Tickets for Steps in Time events are non‑refundable unless otherwise stated. Transferability may vary by event and will be clearly communicated on the event page.
Attendees must check in upon arrival. Those arriving without proper registration may experience delays or may not be admitted.
Late arrivals will be accommodated as space and safety allow.
Chaperone & Adult Presence
For events involving minors, Steps in Time may require a parent, guardian, or designated adult to remain on‑site or nearby.
Expectations for chaperones will be clearly communicated for each event.
Chaperones are asked to support a positive environment and assist with safe arrival and departure.
Music & DJ Content Standards
Music played at Steps in Time events must support a family‑friendly environment. We avoid explicit lyrics, suggestive themes, or content that conflicts with our mission.
Outside DJs or musicians will be provided with content guidelines prior to the event.
Parent/Guardian Communication Expectations
Steps in Time values positive, respectful communication with parents and guardians. We strive to address concerns graciously and clearly.
We distinguish between harmful behavior and normal social dynamics. Not being asked to dance, shyness, or limited interaction does not constitute bullying.
We ask parents to partner with us in maintaining a warm, encouraging environment for all attendees.
Organizational Alignment & Partnerships
Steps in Time operates according to traditional, family‑centered values that shape our mission, our events, and the partnerships we pursue. The policies in this section explain how our organizational values guide our decisions and the environment we maintain at our programs.
Organizational Values & Event Environment Policy
Steps in Time is a family‑friendly organization that operates according to traditional beliefs about gender and community life. Our programs, events, and partnerships are designed to reflect these values and to create an environment consistent with our mission.
We reserve the right to decline partnerships, collaborations, or promotional opportunities that do not align with our mission, values, or event environment.
Steps in Time welcomes all individuals to attend our events, and we ask all participants, volunteers, and partners to respect the family‑friendly, traditional framework within which our organization operates.
Organizational Alignment & Partnerships Policy
Steps in Time partners only with organizations, vendors, and groups whose values and conduct align with our mission of hospitality, community, and family‑friendly events.
We reserve the right to decline or discontinue any partnership, collaboration, or business relationship if we believe the group’s actions, messaging, or behavior conflicts with our mission, vision, or values, or if we determine that the relationship is not a good fit for the families we serve.
Decisions about partnerships are made at the discretion of Steps in Time’s leadership and may take into account safety, professionalism, alignment with our nonprofit purpose, and the overall experience of our participants.
Questions About Our Policies
If you have questions about any policy or need clarification, please reach out through our Contact Page.
