Code of Conduct for Rainbow Veterans of Canada

Rainbow Veterans of Canada

Rainbow Veteran of Canada POLICIES AND CODE OF CONDUCT

CODE OF CONDUCT

1. In addition to representing CAF 2SLGBTQ2+ veterans and its mission of Educate, Outreach and Advocacy, RVC strives to provide a space which is welcoming, friendly and comfortable. As a new organization integrity is of upmost importance and it is to be free from conflict, confrontation and inappropriate behaviour. RVC members are responsible for their conduct in any formal or informal gathering. Members are expected to relate to one another as peers: respectfully and professionally.
2. Deportment is to be maintained at the highest level for members. Basic rules of etiquette and courtesy are to be followed at all times. Harassment and violence of any kind, racially or sexually explicit comments or humour or any other behaviour that exceeds socially accepted norms is not acceptable and will not be tolerated (see Appendix A – Definition of Harassment and Violence). Excessive consumption of alcohol resulting in impairment of judgement and behaviour will also not be tolerated.
3. RVC is neither actually, nor perceived to be, associated with the promotion of any particular commercial entity, business, political cause or party.  RVC values and respects the wide range of views held by its many members, that enrich us and contribute to positive energy that will sustain RVC as we build and grow.   The Board of Directors work to protect RVC from any public presence other than that tied to our purpose and we require the support of our members in achieving that goal and appreciate the unconditional support of the membership in this regard. Misrepresenting themselves or RVC will hurt the validity, integrity and professional image we strive to exemplify. Communications in any official capacity representing RVC will be professional, accurate, and pertinent.
4. It is the responsibility of all members to respect this Code of Conduct. The Board of Directors takes any breaches of this Code very seriously and will take appropriate and timely corrective actions as required which may result in board dismissal, removal from programs, events or bureaus.
5. If a member witnesses a breach of this Code of Conduct, the member:

   a.  is encouraged to request that the offender cease the behaviour and apologize to those concerned; or

   b.  will report the incident at their earliest convenience to a member of the Board of Directors for further action.  If requested by the witness, the Board of Directors should hold the witnesses’ identification in confidence. Corrective actions include a verbal warning on the first offence; a written warning on the second offence; termination of membership on the third offence.

6. It is in the best interest of RVC and its members to have any infractions addressed in a timely and transparent manner.  If at any time you feel that you have been treated unfairly or insulted in any way, it is your right as well as your obligation to bring it to the attention of a Board Member as soon as possible to have the problem addressed. The corrective actions taken by the Board shall be communicated to the individuals who were involved.

APPENDIX A – Definition of Harassment and Violence

Harassment by/of Members may include but is not limited to:

• Offensive or intimidating comments or jokes;
• Abuse of authority, which may include, but is not limited to: taking advantage of a position to exploit, intimidate, threaten, blackmail, compromise, mistreat or coerce others;
• Spreading malicious rumours or gossip about a member;
  Cyber bullying (threatening, spreading rumours, or negatively talking to or about someone online or on social media);
• Socially excluding or isolating someone;
• Tampering with a member’s personal belongings or impeding their work in any deliberate way;
• Persistently criticizing, undermining, belittling, demeaning or ridiculing a person;
  Psychological harassment;
• Stalking;
• Isolating or making fun of someone because of their identity.
• Sexist remarks;
• Racist remarks;
• 2SLGBTQI+ remarks;
• Verbal threats or intimidation;
• Unwelcome physical contact;
• Invading someone’s personal space;
• Sexual innuendo or insinuation;
• Unwanted and inappropriate advances, invitations or requests, including those of a sexual nature;
• Unwanted sexual attention or leering; and
• Making aggressive, threatening or rude gestures.

Violence may include the following:

• Verbally threatening to attack a member, guest or staff person;
• Leaving threatening notes or sending threatening emails or voicemails to someone;
• Assault;
• Hitting;
• Kicking;
• Spitting;
• Wounding;
• Battering;
• Swearing or shouting in an offensive manner;
• Verbal abuse;
• An attack with any type of weapon; and
• Sexual violence.

Harassment is not:

• The reasonable exercise of management responsibilities or authority related to the provision of advice, the assignment of work, coaching and feedback, performance evaluation and management, attendance management, disciplinary action, or other supervisory or leadership functions; or
• A disagreement regarding a policy or practice.

Approved / Adopted September, 2024

Download Available: RVC Code of Conduct Policy