Public Health & Safety Guidelines

As we navigate overlapping endemics and pandemics—COVID-19, cold/flu, monkeypox and more —every in-person gathering space brings with it the risk of infection. We recognize that the legacy of white supremacy, abuse, and exploitation in US public health has led to widespread distrust of many public health systems, services, and vaccinations.

At Point Source Youth (PSY), we honor this legacy of harm by not requiring proof of vaccinations and boosters for our in-person Western Convening, however, we also uplift the safety protocols and recommendations that are designed to keep one another safe. We will be following the CDC’s guidance and state mandates, and making any changes and updates in real-time following expert opinions. 

The health and safety of our symposium participants are our top priorities. PSY believes we are responsible for caring for each other and that together we can make the Western Convening as safe as possible. We strongly encourage wearing face masks to impede/limit the airborne transmission of droplets and aerosols that can lead to the spread of viruses. PSY encourages symposium attendees to strongly consider the health and well-being of fellow participants by practicing good judgment, following CDC guidelines, and anchoring actions and decisions within a community care framework. 

Simply put, we ask that you think beyond yourself and consider your neighbors—old friends you are eager to reconnect with at the Convening, as well as all the new, vibrant folks that you will be meeting throughout our two days together. Make decisions that take collective safety into account. It takes all of us working together to keep one another safe. We will have extra face masks available upon request, as well as hand sanitizing stations located throughout the conference venue for our attendees’ safety. 

IF you experience symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g. fever, chills, cough, sore throat) we ask that you please do your best to remain isolated. Attendees can visit the registration table to request a rapid COVID-19 test. If you test positive, DO NOT attend any additional symposium events to protect other attendees from exposure to COVID-19. We ask that you please let us know what sessions you’ve attended, and do your own due diligence to inform anyone you’ve been in close contact with of your positive result. PSY will inform all conference attendees of positive COVID-19 results that are brought to our attention in a timely manner.

Point Source Youth believes that we are all responsible for each other—as a community, and as movement partners, we all play a part in making the Western Convening a safe(r) and healthy space.