Policy on Facility Rules and Conduct at SGVAC

• Firearms and Weapons: No firearms or weapons are permitted within the SGVAC facility, except for law enforcement officers who are carrying out their duties under the authority of their position.
• Illegal Drugs and Alcohol: The use or possession of illegal drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited within the facility.
• Physical Altercations: Any form of physical altercations between attendees of the SGVAC facility will not be tolerated.
• Smoking and Tobacco Use: Smoking, vaping, or chewing tobacco products are not allowed within the facility or in front of neighboring businesses.

Note: Violation of any part of the SGVAC Code of Conduct, by individuals or groups, may result in the suspension of privileges to use the SGVAC facility. Individuals or groups reported to be in violation of the Code of Conduct have the right to a hearing before the Board of Directors.  Additionally, we kindly request that attendees of SGVAC observe the following rules and courtesies:

• Pets: With the exception of service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), no pets are allowed within the SGVAC facility.
• Bicycles: Bicycles are not permitted within the facility.
• Responsibility for Children: Parents or guardians are responsible for the behavior and safety of their children at all times while on the premises.
• Respect for Neighbors: All attendees are asked to be courteous and respectful toward our neighbors. Please refrain from loud conversations, offensive language, and respect their property and parking access.
• Personal Property: SGVAC is not liable for theft or damage to personal property of individuals or groups using the facility.

Note:  SGVAC and its Board of Directors prefer and hope that all groups using the facility, in the spirit of autonomy, make every effort to resolve issues arising within their meetings at the group level. Please address individual concerns to your group secretary. 

The San Gabriel Valley Alano Club prioritizes the well-being of all its members and visitors, ensuring a healthy and safe environment free from harassment during meetings and social events. To uphold this commitment, the club has formulated a comprehensive policy aimed at preventing all forms of harassment, including sexual harassment. In the event of any such incident, swift and efficient action will be taken to address and resolve the matter promptly.

Sexual Harassment

At the San Gabriel Valley Alano Club, we maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards the display of pornographic, racist, or offensive signs or images. We also prohibit practical jokes that cause discomfort or embarrassment, as well as any form of unwelcome sexual innuendos, invitations, or requests, whether explicit or indirect.

Sexual harassment encompasses unwelcome and offensive behavior of a sexual nature. Examples of sexual harassment include actions such as pinching, patting, rubbing, or leering, as well as the use of vulgar or suggestive language, gestures, off-color jokes, explicit pictures, or pornographic materials. It can also involve comments, suggestions, innuendos, repeated date requests, stalking, or any demands or requests of a sexual nature. It's important to note that the behavior does not need to be intentional to be considered sexual harassment.

We firmly believe that all forms of harassment are unacceptable and have a detrimental impact on the safety and sobriety of our members and visitors. Such behavior is offensive, often intimidating others and disrupting the unity of our community. We are committed to maintaining a club environment where harassment is not tolerated under any circumstances.

It's essential to distinguish that occasional compliments of a socially acceptable nature are not considered sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is not based on mutual attraction, friendship, or respect. If an interaction is consensual, welcomed, and reciprocated, it does not fall under the category of sexual harassment. It specifically refers to behavior that is unwelcome, personally offensive, creates fear, undermines group unity, and poses a threat to sobriety.

Discriminatory Harassment

Discriminatory harassment encompasses the unwelcome verbal or physical conduct directed towards a member or visitor based on various characteristics, including race, religious beliefs, color, gender, physical or mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status, or sexual orientation.

At the San Gabriel Valley Alano Club, we firmly stand against all forms of harassment and maintain a policy of zero tolerance. We will not tolerate any instances of verbal or physical abuse, threats, derogatory remarks, jokes, innuendos, or taunts that target an individual's race, religious beliefs, color, gender, physical or mental disabilities, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status, or sexual orientation.

Reporting Harassment

The San Gabriel Valley Alano Club recognizes the importance of addressing physical and/or sexual harassment within individual meetings and through sponsorship. However, it is our legal responsibility to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all members and guests utilizing our facility. If complaints cannot be resolved at the meeting or sponsor level, individuals are strongly encouraged to report the issue to the club manager, club president, or any member of the board for further consideration.

In situations where there is immediate danger to any member, a meeting secretary, the club manager, or any member of the board is authorized to suspend the individuals involved from the club for a period of 5 days. This action will be promptly reported to the SGVAC board by completing the form located at, https://forms.gle/8U9TJjcGNMExQzA87 by the individual issueing the suspension. 

During this process, both the complainant and the alleged harasser will be interviewed, along with any other individuals who may provide relevant information. All information shared will be treated with utmost confidentiality. If the situation warrants it, the board is empowered to suspend a member or visitor from entering the premises for a maximum of 90 days, or even impose a permanent ban from the Club. If necessary, the case may also be referred to the appropriate governmental authorities.

It is important to note that the procedure for reporting incidents of harassment is not intended to hinder, replace, or limit any member or visitor's right to seek legal remedies available under state or federal law. Individuals have the option to report the matter directly to the appropriate state or federal agency as deemed necessary.

What To Do If You Are Harassed

To effectively address harassment, please follow these steps:

• Assert Boundaries: Clearly and firmly inform the harasser that their behavior is unwelcome and request that they cease their actions. Make it known that their behavior is not acceptable.

• Seek Guidance: Inform your sponsor about the issue and seek their advice and support. They can provide valuable guidance throughout the process.

• Document Incidents: Keep a detailed record of each incident, noting the date, time, location, potential witnesses, a description of what occurred, and your response. Although not mandatory, these records can strengthen your case and help you recall important details over time.

• Lodge a Complaint: If the harassment persists after you have asked the harasser to stop, report the problem to one of the following individuals: meeting secretary, club manager, board president, or any board member. They are responsible for addressing and handling incidents of harassment within the club.  

• Written Complaint (Optional): While not obligatory, you may choose to submit a written complaint that clearly outlines the nature of the harassment or offense. This can provide additional clarity and ensure all pertinent details are documented.  Our online Complaint Form can be found here, https://forms.gle/8U9TJjcGNMExQzA87  

• Prompt Action: It is the duty of meeting secretaries, board members, the club manager, or any member or visitor to take immediate and appropriate action upon becoming aware of incidents of harassment, whether brought to their attention or personally observed. Genuine complaints should never be dismissed, downplayed, or disregarded. The complainant should not be advised to handle the situation personally.

Remember, addressing harassment requires a proactive approach, ensuring a supportive environment where complaints are treated seriously and handled with sensitivity.

The San Gabriel Valley Alano Club respects the autonomy of meetings regarding their internal operations and the handling of disturbances or inappropriate behavior before, during, or after meetings. If such behavior occurs during a meeting, it is the responsibility of the meeting secretary or other meeting members to address the situation. Meetings may choose to ask the individual causing the disturbance to leave, suspend their attendance for a specific period, or, if necessary, involve law enforcement. It is important to note that reporting a crime or dangerous situation to the police does not violate the individual's anonymity.

In instances involving the presence of weapons, alcohol or drugs brought into the club, or threats or acts of physical violence, the meeting secretary or any meeting attendee should report these infractions to the Club manager, any board member, or by completing our online complaint form  at https://forms.gle/8U9TJjcGNMExQzA87.  They may request the suspension of the individual from Club meetings and functions. The contact information of the manager and board members is posted on the bulletin board in the front room. If the manager or board member personally witnesses any of the aforementioned behaviors, they may immediately suspend the individual(s) pending a hearing scheduled within 5 days.

Upon issuing the initial suspension, the suspended individual(s) will be informed about the scheduled meeting and every effort will be made to involve them in the process. If the person does not attend the meeting, the suspension will remain in effect until they request to have it lifted, as per the board's decision.  The hearing will involve at least 4 board members, the suspended individual(s), the person who imposed the suspension, and any witnesses who wish to attend. All parties will have the opportunity to present their perspectives, and a decision will be made regarding whether to continue the suspension or readmit the individual(s) to the Club.

The San Gabriel Valley Alano Club acknowledges its legal responsibility to provide a safe environment for all individuals attending meetings. Our intention is not to interfere with the operations of meetings beyond the parameters outlined in the rental agreement and code of conduct. Over the past five years, no permanent bans have been imposed on anyone, and only four temporary suspensions have been enacted.

For further information on the role of Alano Clubs, meeting safety, and harassment in A.A., please refer to the following links.

A.A. Guidelines: Relationship Between A.A.
Clubs Safety and A.A.: Our Common Welfare
SGVAC Code of Conduct 
SGVAC Anti-Harassment Policy

Approved by the SGVAC Board of Directors, TBD