Codes of Conduct

       The OUTreach Center demonstrates leadership in community education and outreach on LGBTQ+ issues by advocating for an Antelope Valley that values our humanity and diversity.  We build the foundation of an enduring and thriving LGBTQ+ community through celebration, connection, and empowerment.  We strive to embody dignity, integrity, and courage in our pursuit of social justice.
In pursuit of a more civil and just society, we embed diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout our organization and the ways we carry out our mission. We purposefully and tangibly apply these principles in our internal operations, programs, policies, and external leadership. The OUTreach Center’s codes of conduct will help to ensure our organization remains a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. Any individual who violates this code of conduct is subject to discipline, up to and including a total ban from The OUTreach Center.

Volunteers and group attendees agree to abide by the following code of conduct.

• Treat every individual with dignity and respect.

• Respect the confidentiality of group attendees. What is shared in group stays in group. There is an exception regarding mention of past or intended harm to oneself or others – this will be reported to the Board of Directors and possibly law enforcement.

• Racism, homophobia, transphobia, and bigotry or discrimination of any kind such as that based on age, culture, disability, ethnicity, race, religion/spirituality, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/partnership status, neurodivergent/neurotypical status, language preference, socioeconomic status, or immigration status will not be tolerated.

• Bullying, harassment, or violence of any kind will not be tolerated.

• Do not discuss group members or volunteers who are not present.

• Do not bring onto The OUTreach Center’s property dangerous or unauthorized materials such as firearms, weapons, or other similar items.

• Respect and cooperate with individuals in a leadership position within The OUTreach Center, such as a board member or program lead.

• Any individual under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance, including marijuana, when volunteering for The OUTreach Center or attending an OUTreach Center program may be dismissed by a program lead or board member if showing disruptive for visibly erratic behavior.

• Conflicts within the group shall be brought to the Program Lead for possible resolution. In the case a Lead cannot find a reasonable solution, it shall be brought the Board of Directors. Any member or individual within the organization is always welcome to bring problems or concerns to the Board of Directors.

Any violation of the above code of conduct may be reported to any member of The OUTreach Center Board of Directors. A general outline of the consequences for violations of the code of conduct is detailed below, however the Board of Directors may advance consequences on an as-needed basis based on the severity of the incident.

• 1st offense: Verbal warning.

• 2nd offense: Written warning with reminder of code of conduct and a temporary ban from the specific group where the incident took place.

• 3rd offense: Permanent ban from the specific group where the incident took place.

• 4th offense: Permanent and total ban from The OUTreach Center.

The date of any verbal warning will be documented and maintained in The OUTreach Center’s records. Written warnings may be delivered via mail, email, or hand carry. A copy of the written warning will be maintained in The OUTreach Center’s records. The temporary or permanent ban of any individual from The OUTreach Center or any of its programs will be documented and maintained in The OUTreach Center’s records.