Code of Conduct

AAHGS Code of Conduct
The Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, Inc. is committed to adhering and honoring the highest standards of ethical conduct in the performance of its responsibilities.  Members and volunteers pledge to accept this code as a minimum guideline for ethical conduct during their presence at all AAHGS-involved events.

Confidentiality

• Maintain confidentiality of all sensitive information about clients, staff, and the organization.
• Only use information obtained during volunteer service for authorized purposes.
  

Responsibility

• Be reliable and committed to each assignment.
• Arrive on time and inform the organization of any scheduling conflicts well in advance.
• Complete assigned tasks to the best of your ability and follow all safety procedures.

Code of Conduct and Dress

• When present in-person, dress appropriately for the role and maintain a professional demeanor while representing the organization.
• Abstain from using drugs, alcohol, or tobacco on organization premises or during volunteer activities.
• Avoid interpersonal conflicts.  If there is an event or situation where an individual displays adversarial or challenging behavior toward an AAHGS member or volunteer, remain neutral so that the situation does not escalate.  Say things such as “I see.”  Or “That’s interesting.”  Disclose any imminent safety matters to the appropriate ranking AAHGS member, staff member on site or to local police.  

Harassment and Discrimination Free Environment
AAHGS is committed to providing a welcoming and harassment-free space for its members and others who attend, participate in, and support AAHGS conferences, events, meetings, and online programming.

Our staff, board, and members are committed to honoring the diverse, equitable, and inclusive practices that embrace and support people and collaborative partners from all backgrounds. AAHGS does not tolerate discrimination or harassment in any form amongst its membership or at its events. All members, attendees, speakers, sponsors, and volunteers are required to agree with the following Code of Conduct.

Discrimination is the unjust or prejudicial treatment of others based on real or perceived characteristics or identities. Harassment includes but is not limited to:

• intimidation or unwanted attention, including comments and touching, based on race, ethnicity, color, nationality, religion, age, class, ability, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, sexual identity, appearance/presentation, physical disability, and other characteristics or identities;
• racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, or otherwise discriminatory jokes or language;
• deliberate misgendering;
• derogatory comments in face-to-face and online spaces;
• intimidation or unwanted attention based on appearance/presentation, physical disability, and other characteristics or identities;
• suggestions of retaliation by the harasser if the harassed person(s) reports;
• sustained, nonconstructive disruption of programming;
• threats or acts of violence;
  

Sponsors are also subject to the antiharassment policy. In particular, sponsors should not use sexualized images, activities, or other material in promoting their organization or in communication with participants. Booth staff (including volunteers) should not use sexualized clothing/uniforms/costumes, or otherwise create a sexualized environment.

Intellectual Property
AAHGS members and volunteers shall not use the protected content of another person or entity without their consent.  When it is used with consent, the member or volunteer shall cite the content source in the appropriate manner.  

Consequences for Violations
Our community norms are strengthened when members communicate problems when they arise. In accordance with this effort, participants of AAHGS events are encouraged to immediately report instances of harassment that they experience or witness to the National President. AAHGS will investigate all complaints and will maintain confidentiality to the extent possible. Anyone who is found to have engaged in harassment will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, which may include the following: (1) a written reprimand or censure; (2) a request for resignation; (3) removal of such person from the individual’s position within AAHGS; or (4) termination of the individual’s membership, employment, engagement, and/or participation in current and/or future AAHGS operated, sponsored and/or affiliated events. 

No individual will be retaliated against for making a complaint or assisting with the investigation of a complaint. 

AAHGS seeks constructive resolutions to disagreements, which can yield new ways of seeing and thinking.

All participants at the AAHGS annual meeting and other AAHGS programming acknowledge this policy and note their willingness to abide by it by registering and attending the conferences and /or events.

The Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, Inc. reserves the right to revise this Code of Conduct as needed.