Collaborate

Respect in the Workplace Policy – Alborz Cultural Alliance (ACA)

1. Purpose & Scope

The Alborz Cultural Alliance (ACA) is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all:

  • Staff (paid and unpaid)

  • Volunteers

  • Members

  • Contractors and service providers

  • Event participants, guests, and visitors

Applies to:

  • ACA premises

  • Off-site events and workshops

  • Virtual/online activities

  • All ACA-related communications (email, phone, messaging, social media)

This policy aligns with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Ontario).

2. Definitions

Respectful Behaviour

  • Valuing diversity, promoting inclusion, and treating others with dignity.

Harassment

  • Unwelcome conduct based on protected grounds under Ontario law.

  • Examples: Racial slurs, derogatory jokes, unwanted sexual remarks.

Sexual Harassment

  • Unwanted touching, sexual advances, or suggestive remarks.

Bullying

  • Repeated, unreasonable behaviour causing risk to health and safety.

Discrimination

  • Unequal treatment based on protected grounds.

Workplace

  • Any physical or virtual space where ACA activities occur.

3. ACA’s Commitment

ACA pledges to:

  1. Prevent Misconduct – Provide education and clear behaviour guidelines.

  2. Respond Promptly – Investigate all complaints fairly and quickly.

  3. Support All Parties – Protect complainants from retaliation.

  4. Comply with Laws – Follow all relevant human rights and safety legislation.

4. Acceptable & Unacceptable Behaviour

Acceptable Behaviour

  • Respect, courtesy, active listening, and constructive collaboration.

Unacceptable Behaviour (includes but not limited to):

  • Harassment: Offensive jokes, remarks, or gestures.

  • Sexual Harassment: Unwanted contact, inappropriate comments.

  • Bullying: Shouting, exclusion, undermining work.

  • Discrimination: Denial of opportunities based on bias.

  • Other Misconduct: Retaliation, misuse of ACA resources, violence.

5. Reporting & Investigation Process

Reporting Options

  • Speak to the Executive Director or designated representative.

  • Contact a Board member.

  • Email info@alborzculturalalliance.org (“Confidential – Workplace Concern”).

Investigation Steps

  1. Acknowledgement – Within 5 business days.

  2. Preliminary Review – Confirm policy relevance.

  3. Investigation – Fair, timely, confidential.

  4. Interviews – Complainant, respondent, witnesses.

  5. Findings & Action – Determine outcome and action.

Confidentiality – Information shared only as necessary.
No Retaliation – Any retaliation is a serious violation.

6. Disciplinary Actions

Possible Consequences

  • Verbal/written warning

  • Mandatory training

  • Suspension or termination of role/membership

  • Removal from ACA events or premises

  • Legal action (if applicable)

Volunteers & Members

  • May have privileges revoked or be restricted from future involvement.

Contractors & Partners

  • Agreements may be terminated for violations.

7. Policy Review & Acknowledgement

Review

  • At least every 2 years or as laws/needs change.

Acknowledgement

  • All participants must read, understand, and agree to the policy before engaging with ACA.

Access

  • Posted on ACA’s website.

  • Provided in print or electronic form on request.

  • Downloadable as a PDF from the Become a Volunteer page.