Traveling and attending large events pose various challenges, burdens, and risks to members of our Network. River Network is working to ensure a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and accessible event for as many attendees as possible.

With the help of previous River Rally attendees and other Network members, River Network staff have identified a variety of accessibility needs we are working to accommodate at River Rally. We will update this page as we secure support services and resources regarding:

• Audio and visual support for large plenary sessions and celebrations
• Audio and visual support for breakout sessions
• Language interpretation services
• Childcare support
• Basic health and hygiene needs
• Travel safety support
• Mobility aid & ADA guidance for all conference venues
• Dietary needs guidance
• Information access ahead of Rally, and on-site in San Antonio

Group Agreements at Rally

River Network is committed to providing you with a River Rally experience that is safe, welcoming, and empowering. We encourage everyone to adhere to the following group agreements. These group agreements will act as guide stars for how we will keep ourselves and this community safe, respected, and supported over our five days together. 

Respect boundaries. We will ask for consent before physically greeting others (e.g. handshakes or hugs). 

Practice inclusivity. River Rally is a space where all identities are welcome. We will create and maintain a welcoming and respectful space for all by acknowledging attendees’ personal pronouns as displayed on their badge. We will be mindful of calling people in and kindly reminding our peers of others’ correct pronouns if misgendering occurs. 

Test for COVID-19/Flu at the first sign of symptoms. Attendees who suspect symptoms will remove themselves from the conference space and confirm illness with a test. Even if attendees do not have COVID-19 or Flu, they will remain isolated if they are running a fever or have other symptoms that imply they are contagious.

Wear a well-fitting mask/Respect masking. Minimizing the risk of illness and infections is a responsibility we all share. As members of this community, we must all do our part to protect ourselves and others from the health risks posed by large gatherings by wearing a mask while traveling/gathering, and/or respecting others’ use of masks. While we are not requesting all attendees use masks at River Rally this year, we do ask that attendees who feel “under the weather” after traveling, have knowingly been around contagious or ill people, or might otherwise have reason to believe they could be sick utilize a mask in gathering spaces. 

Consider your impact and share space in River Rally conversations. Our words matter! We will honor those around us by recognizing and taking accountability for how our words and actions impact others. We will practice acknowledging any harmful impact of our words, regardless of our intent, and move toward understanding and reframing to reduce future harm.  

Be open, honest, and curious. River Rally is a space where we can openly celebrate successes, dig into challenges, and revel in our collective humanity. Where there are opportunities for learning and connection, we will call our fellow attendees into the conversation instead of calling them out. 

Come ready to learn, listen, and share. We will be respectful of all River Rally speakers, panelists, and presenters by remaining fully present in workshop spaces. If you need space to get work done, the Quiet Room and Hospitality Room will be available for you throughout River Rally. 

Finally – celebrate our collective work and have fun!