Grievance and Consumer Rights Policy

Purpose

Lower Adirondack Pride (LAP) is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all individuals. This policy outlines the rights and responsibilities of community members, the expectations for respecting LAP personnel, and the procedure for filing and addressing grievances in a fair and transparent manner.  

Consumer Rights and Responsibilities 

1. Respect and Dignity: 

All individuals interacting with Lower Adirondack Pride are entitled to be treated with respect, dignity, and without discrimination. 

2. Respect for LAP Personnel: 

Community members must engage with LAP personnel—whether staff, volunteers, or leadership—in a respectful and courteous manner at all times. Harassment, abuse, or disruptive behavior directed at LAP personnel will not be tolerated and may result in the suspension of services or access to events. 

3. Safe and Inclusive Space: 

LAP provides a safe and affirming environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals, including those with intersecting marginalized identities.

 

4. Confidentiality: 

Personal and sensitive information shared with LAP will be kept confidential and used solely for addressing concerns or improving services.

5. Timely Resolution of Concerns: 

All grievances will be addressed in a timely manner, with respect for the urgency and importance of the issues raised. 

6. Freedom from Retaliation: 

Individuals who raise grievances will not face retaliation or adverse treatment for voicing their concerns. 

Grievance Procedure 

Step 1: Filing a Grievance 

Contact the Grievance Officer: cam@loweradkpride.org
Cam Cardinale, President of Lower Adirondack Pride, serves as the first point of contact for all grievances.

Grievances may only be submitted via email. Written submissions should include: 

  • The nature of the grievance 

  • Date(s) of the incident(s) 

  • Names of any individuals involved 

  • Desired resolution (if any) 

Acknowledgment: The Grievance Officer will acknowledge receipt of the grievance within five (5) business days in writing. 

Step 2: Review and Resolution by Grievance Officer 

  • The Grievance Officer will investigate the grievance, which may include: 

  • Speaking with all involved parties 

  • Reviewing any relevant documents or evidence 

  • Consulting with other LAP leaders or resources as needed 

A resolution or response will be provided within ten (10) business days of the grievance being acknowledged. 

Step 3: Escalation to the Board of Directors 

If the individual is unsatisfied with the response or resolution provided by the Grievance Officer, they may escalate the matter to the LAP Board of Directors. 

Submission: Requests for escalation should be submitted in writing to the Board via grievance@loweradkpride.org 

The Board will review the grievance and the Grievance Officer’s findings. A decision will be provided within fifteen (15) business days of the escalation request. 

Final Decision 

The Board’s decision will be considered final. 

Confidentiality and Record Keeping 

  • All grievances will be handled confidentially to the extent possible while ensuring a thorough investigation. 

  • Records of grievances and resolutions will be maintained securely for a period of five (5) years. 

Policy Enforcement 

Lower Adirondack Pride reserves the right to take appropriate action, including limiting access to events, services, or resources, for individuals who fail to respect LAP personnel or who violate the principles of this policy. 

Policy Review 

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure alignment with best practices and the evolving needs of our community. 

This policy is officially adopted by the Board of Directors of Lower Adirondack Pride during a duly convened board meeting, presided over by Cam Cardinale, President of the organization. The policy shall take effect on January 1, 2025. 

Revisions to this policy may be made at the discretion of the Board of Directors, as deemed necessary, without prior notice. Any updates to this document will be reflected on the official Lower Adirondack Pride website in a timely manner.