Grievance Policy

Purpose

Lower Adirondack Pride (LAP) is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all community members, volunteers, and program participants. This policy establishes clear expectations for conduct and outlines the process for reporting, investigating, and resolving grievances in a fair, confidential, and transparent manner.

A grievance is a formal complaint alleging misconduct, discrimination, harassment, abuse, ethical violations, or other behavior inconsistent with LAP’s mission or Code of Conduct.

This process is not intended for general feedback, service dissatisfaction, or program suggestions. Those may be directed to LAP leadership through regular feedback channels, not through this grievance procedure.

Respect and Dignity

All individuals interacting with Lower Adirondack Pride are entitled to be treated with respect, dignity, and without discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, national origin, or any other protected characteristic.

Respect for LAP Personnel

All community members must engage with LAP personnel—including staff, volunteers, and leadership—with civility and professionalism.

Harassment, verbal abuse, threats, or disruptive conduct directed at any LAP personnel will not be tolerated and may result in suspension of services, denial of participation in events, or other appropriate actions.

Safe and Inclusive Environment

LAP is committed to maintaining a space where LGBTQIA+ individuals and those with intersecting marginalized identities are safe, affirmed, and supported.

Confidentiality

Personal and sensitive information shared in the context of a grievance will remain confidential to the extent possible while ensuring a fair and thorough investigation.

Timely Resolution

All grievances will be addressed promptly and in good faith. LAP will make every effort to resolve matters efficiently and with transparency.

Freedom from Retaliation

Individuals who file grievances in good faith are protected from retaliation or adverse treatment of any kind. Retaliation will itself be treated as a serious policy violation.

Confidentiality and Record Keeping

All grievances will be treated confidentially to the greatest extent possible, consistent with the need to investigate and respond appropriately.

Records of all grievances, investigations, and resolutions will be securely retained for a minimum of five (5) years.

Policy Enforcement

Lower Adirondack Pride reserves the right to take corrective or disciplinary action—including limitation or revocation of access to services, events, or facilities—against any individual whose conduct violates this policy or other LAP standards.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the LAP Board of Directors to ensure alignment with best practices, organizational values, and evolving community needs.

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.