Policies - Steps in Time


Steps in Time creates welcoming, family‑friendly events grounded in hospitality, tradition, and community. The policies below outline our standards for legal compliance, event participation and safety, volunteer and participant conduct, and organizational partnerships. Each policy is written in Plain English so families, donors, and partners can easily understand how we operate.


Legal & Compliance Policies

These policies 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

By attending our events, participants acknowledge that photos and video may be taken and used for promotional and event-related purposes, including publication on our website, social media, and sharing with attendees. We avoid identifying minors by name.

Accessibility & Special Accommodations Policy

Steps in Time works to make our events accessible and comfortable for everyone. If you have mobility, sensory, or other accommodation needs, please contact us before the event so we can help as much as reasonably possible. While we can’t guarantee every accommodation, we will do our best to support a positive experience.

Food & Dietary Needs Policy

Steps in Time seeks to accommodate dietary needs and food allergies whenever possible. We encourage participants with dietary restrictions or allergies to let us know in advance so we can better understand their needs and explore reasonable accommodations.


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. We will share any cancellation or postponement notices through our official communication channels as soon as possible. If an event must be canceled or rescheduled, we will work with registered attendees to provide a fair and reasonable resolution, such as transfer, credit, refund, or other appropriate accommodation based on the circumstances.

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 it.


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 serve alcohol, but our own events remain alcohol‑free.

Dress Code & Modesty Policy

Steps in Time aims 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 tone of our programs.


Signature events such as HOCO and Prom have specific dress guidelines, published with each event, to help preserve the atmosphere and experience for everyone.


While we work to communicate expectations clearly, we may address attire that significantly conflicts with the stated guidelines or the overall environment of the event. We always strive 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 can 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 is not considered 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 works to maintain a warm, welcoming environment where all attendees feel safe and respected. Unkind behavior, intimidation, or actions meant to make others feel uncomfortable are not permitted at any event.


We ask everyone to treat one another with courtesy, kindness, and consideration. Volunteers and staff may address behavior that disrupts the event 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 stay 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 help maintain 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 time, but we 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. If you need to transfer a ticket, please let us know ahead of time when possible. Most transfers can be handled by having the new attendee check in under your name; Signature events require a registration update if given enough notice.


Signature events require check‑in. Non‑signature events may or may not require check‑in, but we may verify attendance if we do not recognize someone or believe they may not be registered.

Chaperone & Adult Presence

Steps in Time does not typically require parents or guardians to stay at events, though they are always welcome to remain on‑site and watch. At Signature events, parent involvement is limited, and we use formal chaperones whose expectations are clearly communicated for each event. Non‑signature events generally have plenty of adults present to help maintain a friendly, attentive environment.

Music & DJ Content Standards

Music at Steps in Time events is selected to support a family‑friendly environment. We avoid explicit lyrics, suggestive themes, or anything that conflicts with our mission. Outside DJs or musicians receive our content guidelines before the event so they know what is appropriate to play.

Parent/Guardian Communication Expectations

Steps in Time values positive, respectful communication with parents and guardians, and we work to address concerns graciously and clearly. We distinguish between harmful behavior and normal social dynamics; shyness, limited interaction, or not being asked to dance is not considered bullying. We ask parents to partner with us in supporting 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.

Contact Steps in Time