Gaea General Rules
In addition to abiding by any and all federal, state and local laws, it is expected that those who wish to enjoy the sanctuary of Gaea respect the basic policies regarding personal behavior and responsibilities.
Registration: Everyone is required to pre-register and pay fees prior to arrival.
Cameras: All photographers must obtain a signed pre-photo written release from any person photographed. Photographing anyone unaware is not allowed.
Children & Minors: No one under 18 is permitted without a parent or legal guardian. The supervision, safety and behavior of all persons 17 or under are the responsibility of their parent or guardian. Children 15 and under are to be in the direct presence and supervision of their parent or guardian.
Pets: Pets are allowed at Gaea. Pets include any companion animal you bring to camp. For the safety of pets and others, please read and familiarize yourself with our pet rules. They will be stringently enforced.
All pets must be on a 6-10 foot non-retractable leash.
Pets may not be tied out or tied to trees.
Owners should maintain physical control of the animal at all times.
When away from your pet, it must be in a kennel. Even inside a tent or cabin.
Pets are not to be confined to your vehicle in extreme heat or cold.
Pets are not allowed in the dining hall or shower house.
Do not bring your pet to camp if it has known aggression issues. If your pet is aggressive, you will be asked to remove your pet from the property.
If your pet becomes a nuisance, as in the case of excessive dog barking, you will be asked to remove your pet from the property.
You will need to provide proof of rabies vaccination if requested. Please have that available.
All rules apply to animals deemed as emotional support animals.
As stated by federal law, dogs and miniature horses are the only animals recognized as service animals.
Vehicles: The speed limit is 5 mph. Parking is permitted in designated parking areas only (see map). Please restrict driving - park, walk, exercise, and enjoy the land.
Harassment: Harassment in any form based on, but not limited to, religion, spirituality, sexual preferences, race, gender or age is not allowed.
Littering: Gaea is Pack in / Pack out. All trash and recycling should be removed from the property with you. Everyone is expected to clean up after themselves.
Fires: Use existing fire pits ONLY. Portable fireplaces and grills are permitted. Be mindful of red flag warnings and burn bans – there are no fires allowed in these instances.
Firewood: Contact a caretaker for full information or bring your own wood. Use of existing wood stacks or pre-cut timber already on property is not allowed.
Hunting & Fishing: Hunting of any type is not allowed. Fishing is allowed with the proper Kansas licensee.
Sites: Meditation/Ritual areas are situated throughout Gaea. It is expected that these spaces will be respected and offerings left at them are undisturbed.
Personal Items: Personal items become the property of Gaea if left over 7 days. Lost and found is located on the dining hall porch.
Sexual Activities: Sexual activities are strictly prohibited in all public areas of the retreat center. Such activities are only permitted within private areas where privacy can be reasonably assured.
Definitions
Private Areas: Designated spaces where individuals can engage in personal activities with an expectation of privacy. These include individual tents and fully enclosed camping areas, and private cabins or rooms rented by guests.
Public Areas: Communal spaces intended for general use by all guests where personal activities are visible to others. These include communal gathering spaces (e.g., pavilions, dining areas), public restrooms and showers, trails, open fields, parking lots, and pathways.
Sexual Activities: Defined as any behavior of a sexual nature, including but not limited to, intercourse, oral sex, mutual masturbation, and intimate touching.
Enforcement:
Staff and volunteers will monitor public areas to ensure compliance with this policy.
Any reports or observations of non-compliance will be addressed promptly and discreetly by staff.
This policy is applicable at all times, including during rented events.
Consequences -
Violations of this policy may result in:
Warnings or fines.
Eviction from the premises without a refund.
Possible ban from future events or reservations.
Personal Items: Personal items become the property of Gaea if left over 7 days. Lost and found is located on the dining hall porch.
Gaea Code Of Conduct
This policy to everyone present at Gaea, for any purpose. Please read and familiarize yourself with your rights, and your responsibilities when on the land.
Summary
We are committed to providing a positive and trouble-free experience for all, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, age, theological perspective, or relationship status (polyamory, monogamy, singleness). We do not tolerate unacceptable behavior in any form. Anyone violating these rules may be expelled as appropriate, at the discretion of the Earth Rising Board of Directors or Caretakers.
This policy will be reviewed annually, by the members of the Board of Earth Rising, and we reserve the right to update it without warning when appropriate.
Scope
All individuals on the property are expected to follow these rules at all times.
Full policy
This document covers unacceptable behavior whether within or outside the law.
Unacceptable behavior includes:
Verbal harassment, especially when it reinforces social structures of domination related to gender, gender identity, and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, theological perspective, relationship status (polyamory, monogamy, singleness).
Deliberate intimidation, bullying and or stalking, and any other behavior which is likely to cause alarm or distress to a reasonable person.
Photography or recording without written consent.
Sustained disruption of talks or other events (including through intoxication of alcohol and/or drugs).
Inappropriate or unwanted physical contact, this includes any form of physical touch. Always seek consent when initiating any physical contact with another person..
Unwelcome sexual or other personal attention.
Theft or extortion including by deception.
Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior.
Enforcement
If anyone is asked to cease unacceptable behavior it is expected that they will comply immediately.
Organizers will take any actions reasonably necessary to maintain a welcoming environment for all participants. This may include warning the person who is acting in breach of this policy and, in appropriate cases, requiring them to leave the venue without a refund or the imposition of stipulations for future attendance.
Activities, Talks, And Workshops
Any activities, talks, workshops, or rituals will have adequate disclosure as to their content. It will also be made clear that people are not required to attend and may leave activities, talks, workshops, or rituals which make them uncomfortable at any time. No one should ever feel pressured into participating, attending or staying.
Incidents and Reporting
If you witness any infraction of this policy:
If you feel comfortable, consider informing the person or persons responsible that you would like them to stop. Always consider the safety of yourself and the people around you. Aggressive confrontation is not endorsed.
If you do not feel comfortable, observe the people who are blatantly breaking the rules and contact safety, caretakers, organizers, or board members to address the issue.
You can contact the caretakers by going to their cabin or by using the radio that will be outside their door. You can let board members know what is going on if they are present at camp. At ERI festivals you can contact safety by going to the Safety Tent or finding any Safety Volunteer.
When taking a personal report, efforts may be made to seek permission to involve other relevant staff from the event or organization to ensure the report is managed properly. Reports are handled as respectfully and discreetly as possible but may, under some circumstances, be required by law to be disclosed.
Please contact law enforcement if you feel it is necessary, or if requested, safety, caretakers, or organizers will assist with contacting the police or local support services where appropriate.
Violations of this code reduce the value of Gaea for everyone. We want your experience of Gaea to be positive. We value participation in our events and appreciate all efforts to provide a safe and friendly space for all.
Gaea Community Safety Guide
Keeping Our Space Safe, Respectful, and Welcoming for All
Our Commitment
At Gaea, we believe everyone deserves a safe and positive experience — no matter your gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, age, theology, or relationship status.
We don’t tolerate harassment, intimidation, unwanted contact, or any other behavior that causes harm. We address concerns in a way that reduces harm, supports healing, and avoids unnecessary permanent exclusion — while always protecting the safety of our community.
Your Rights
To be treated with respect and dignity.
To set personal boundaries and have them honored.
To participate in activities free from harassment or pressure.
To report concerns without fear of retaliation.
To leave any activity, workshop, or ritual at any time.
Your Responsibilities
Respect other people’s bodies, space, and consent.
Avoid behavior that could reasonably cause someone alarm or distress.
Follow the rules for photography, recording, and participation in activities.
Stop immediately if someone asks you to.
Speak up or seek help if you see harmful behavior.
Unacceptable Behaviors
Verbal harassment, especially related to identity or personal characteristics.
Bullying, stalking, intimidation, or threats.
Photography/recording without written consent.
Sustained disruption of events (including due to intoxication).
Any unwanted touch — always ask first.
Unwelcome sexual attention.
Theft, fraud, or extortion.
Encouraging or supporting any of the above.
If Something Happens
If you feel safe doing so:
Tell the person their behavior is not okay and ask them to stop.
If you do not feel safe or comfortable:
Contact a Safety Volunteer, Caretaker, or Board Member.
At ERI festivals, go to the Safety Tent or find any Safety Volunteer.
You can:
Make your report in person or in writing.
Ask to remain anonymous (though this may limit what we can do).
Request that law enforcement be contacted — we will assist if asked.
What Happens Next
Your report will be treated respectfully and kept as confidential as possible.
Safety measures may be taken right away if needed (e.g., restricting access, separating parties).
We may use a restorative approach (talks, agreements, education) or stronger steps (suspension, removal) depending on the situation.
Our goal is always to stop harm, repair damage where possible, and protect community safety.
Anti-Retaliation
No one will be punished for making a report in good faith or helping with a safety process. Retaliation is itself a serious violation.
Our Approach to Safety
We focus on:
Harm Reduction: Choosing responses that reduce risk and avoid making harm worse.
Avoiding Social Incarceration: Using exclusion only when needed for safety, and prioritizing learning, accountability, and restoration when possible.
Community Care: Protecting everyone’s right to feel safe and respected.
You belong here.
By caring for one another, respecting boundaries, and speaking up when something’s wrong, we keep Gaea a place where everyone can thrive.
Full ERI Adopted Policy on Handling Reports of Misconduct
Effective Date: 8/8/2025
Approved By: Board of Directors
Applies To: Board, staff, volunteers, contractors, members, and event attendees of Earth Rising, Inc. and Gaea Retreat Center.
I. Purpose
Earth Rising, Inc. (“ERI”) is committed to maintaining a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for everyone on the land, regardless of gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, age, theological perspective, or relationship status. This policy sets forth how reports of misconduct will be received, reviewed, and resolved — including general misconduct and specifically sexual misconduct — in a way that honors harm reduction and avoids social incarceration while ensuring safety and accountability.
II. Relationship to the Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct sets the rules, rights, and responsibilities for all individuals on the property.
This Policy on Handling Reports of Misconduct governs how reports of violations are processed, investigated, and resolved.
The two documents should be read together; this policy explains how the enforcement section of the Code of Conduct is applied.
III. Scope
This policy applies to:
All ERI-owned or managed spaces, events, programs, and activities, whether on-site or off-site.
All individuals on Gaea property for any reason.
Conduct both on and off property that directly impacts safety, inclusivity, or the functioning of ERI.
IV. Definitions
Misconduct (General) — Any behavior prohibited under the Code of Conduct, whether or not it violates law. Examples include harassment, intimidation, bullying, stalking, theft, sustained disruption of events, unwanted contact, or advocacy of such behaviors.
Sexual Misconduct — Any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other sexual behavior that creates an unsafe, hostile, or intimidating environment. Includes violations of Kansas and Missouri criminal law even if not prosecuted.
Harm Reduction Approach — Prioritizing actions that reduce harm for all parties, using exclusionary measures only when necessary for safety.
Avoiding Social Incarceration — Addressing harm without unnecessary or permanent social exile, emphasizing restorative and educational outcomes where possible.
V. Reporting Process
Who Can Report
Any person — whether directly harmed or a witness — may make a report.
Ways to Report
In person to Safety Lead, Caretaker/s, or Board Members.
In writing via official email addresses posted in community spaces.
Anonymous reports are accepted but may limit ERI’s ability to investigate or resolve.
Initial Acknowledgment
Reports will be acknowledged within 72 hours (unless anonymous), with a brief outline of next steps.
Confidentiality
Reports will be handled discreetly and respectfully, shared only with those necessary for resolution.
ERI will comply with mandatory reporting laws (e.g., involving minors or vulnerable adults).
Law Enforcement Involvement
Reporters will be informed of their right to contact police.
ERI will assist in contacting law enforcement if requested or legally required.
VI. Immediate Safety Measures
When credible safety concerns exist, the Board may:
Issue verbal or written warnings.
Temporarily restrict access to areas, roles, or activities.
Temporarily suspend participation in events or use of the property pending review.
VII. Review Process
Preliminary Review
A three-person Review Panel will:Determine if the report falls under the Code of Conduct.
Decide if a restorative, mediated, or investigative approach is appropriate.
Investigation (if required)
Conducted by internal personnel.
Both reporter and respondent may share their account and relevant evidence.
Timelines will be communicated and updated if delays occur.
VIII. Resolution Pathways
Balancing accountability, community safety, and harm reduction, ERI may use:
Restorative/Transformative Justice — Facilitated dialogue, agreements, and trust rebuilding, with consent of involved parties.
Educational & Behavioral Agreements — Written commitments to specific behavioral changes, training, or community service.
Restrictions — Modifying participation in roles, events, or spaces.
Suspension or Removal — Temporary or permanent barring from ERI activities or premises when necessary for safety.
IX. Appeals
Both reporter and respondent may appeal final decisions within 14 days.
Appeals will be heard by the full Board.
X. Recordkeeping
The Board Secretary (or designee) will maintain confidential records of reports, findings, and actions.
Access will be restricted to authorized personnel.
XI. Anti-Retaliation
Retaliation against anyone making a report or participating in a resolution process is prohibited and may result in disciplinary action.
XII. Review Cycle
This policy and the Code of Conduct will be reviewed annually by the Board of Directors and updated as necessary to reflect best practices, legal requirements, and community needs.
Adopted by: Earth Rising, Inc. Board of Directors
Date: 8/8/2025