Guardian Guidelines

Guardians are trusted Night Owls members who are familiar with our culture, rules, and Consent Policy and are comfortable supporting guests and addressing situations when needed. Think of yourself as one of the hosts of the party. Guardians are the eyes and ears of the space, helping create an environment that feels welcoming, respectful, organized, and safe.

To serve as a Guardian, volunteers must have attended at least one Night Owls event previously and be personally known to the Night Owls team.

At the beginning of your shift, introduce yourself to guests, particularly people who seem new. Be visible, approachable, and proactive. Most of the time, being a Guardian simply means being present, answering questions, noticing when someone may need help, and helping the event run smoothly. Occasionally, you may need to step into an uncomfortable situation. Be calm, direct, empathetic, and confident. Your role is to support guests and enforce our policies, not to police the room or pass judgment.

During your shift:

• Remain visible and attentive in the play areas. Do not participate in play while you are on duty.

• Wear your Guardian body band visibly over your clothing. Pick it up from the House Manager before your shift and return it when you are finished.

• Pay attention to whether play appears consensual. If something concerns you, check in. It is always appropriate to ask someone privately, “Everything okay?” or “Do you need anything?”

• Guests may watch play from across the room. Someone who already knows the people playing may ask them for permission to watch from closer. If someone is lingering or watching closely without permission, approach with positive assumptions, introduce yourself, and remind them to give the scene some space. Notice how they respond and keep an eye on the situation afterward.

• If someone looks uncomfortable, isolated, overwhelmed, or unusually intoxicated, check in with them. You do not need to wait for someone to ask for help.

• If someone appears too intoxicated to safely participate, ask them to stop drinking and immediately inform the House Manager, event hosts, other Guardians, and bar staff so they are not served additional alcohol.

• Keep conversations in play areas at an appropriate volume. If people are persistently talking loudly, politely ask them to continue their conversation elsewhere.

• Keep an eye on the physical space as well. Address spills, wet sheets, overflowing trash, bathroom issues, or other problems yourself when appropriate, or notify the cleaner, House Manager, or event host.

• Stay sober enough throughout your shift to make sound decisions and responsibly handle sensitive situations.

• Never hesitate to ask another Guardian, the House Manager, or an event host for support. You are not expected to handle difficult situations alone.

If Someone Reports a Problem

First, listen. Get the information you need to understand the immediate situation and determine whether anyone needs support or separation from another guest. Do not interrogate the person reporting, promise a particular outcome, or try to determine on your own who is right or wrong.

For straightforward policy issues, such as someone watching too closely after being asked to give space, a Guardian may calmly and discreetly address the behavior and explain the relevant rule. Approach the person privately when possible, assume good intent initially, and be matter-of-fact rather than confrontational.

For reports involving consent violations, harassment, aggression, threats, significant intoxication, or anything you are uncertain how to handle, involve the House Manager or an event host as soon as possible. If there is an immediate safety concern, prioritize separating people and getting additional support.

Document what was reported and what actions were taken, including names when available and, for guests, the name of their sponsoring member. Notes should stick to what you personally observed and what was reported to you rather than conclusions or assumptions. Send the information after the event to reports@nightowlsmeet.com.

Make sure the other Guardians and the House Manager know when there is someone or a situation that requires continued attention. If someone has already been spoken to and problematic behavior continues, escalate it immediately. The House Manager or event hosts will determine whether the guest should be asked to leave.

A Few Things to Remember

Lead with positive assumptions, but take concerns seriously. Someone may simply not know a rule. Their response to being redirected can tell you a lot.

Be discreet. Sensitive conversations should happen away from other guests whenever possible.

Support first, investigate later. During an event, the priority is making sure everyone is okay and preventing additional problems. More complicated reports can be reviewed afterward.

You don't have to handle everything yourself. When in doubt, get the House Manager or a host.

Know the Code of Conduct and Consent Policy

Please review both before your shift, even if you've read it previously.

Thank you for taking this role seriously. Guardians are an important part of creating the kind of Night Owls experience we want everyone to have.

Get in touch at hello@nightowlsmeet.com anytime.