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In December, the Global Executive Committee began reviewing and updating the Democrats Abroad Code of Conduct. The Executive Committee adopted revisions to the Code of Conduct and Ethics on December 28, 2017. This updated policy will help us ensure that Democrats Abroad is an environment free of all forms of sexual or other harassment. A copy of the new Code is available for your review.
The new provisions of the Code contain four key elements that are worth emphasizing:
(1) The new Code applies to all global activities, meetings, events, etc. ("global activities")
(2) The new Code applies to anyone participating in global activities, including DPCA officers, officials, DA members, volunteers, and guests
(3) Section 5 lays out the principles that guide our organization toward eliminating all forms of harassment, and it establishes a broad definition of harassment, including sexual harassment, that can include anything from physical contact to verbal and non-verbal forms of communication
(4) Section 6 confirms that sexual harassment itself and willful failure of a responsible official to investigate a claim of sexual harassment can lead to suspension under Section 5.8 of the DA Charter.
Clear procedures for filing sexual harassment complaints, as well as for investigating them, will be set out in a separate document which we intend to release in the next 4 to 8 weeks. In the meantime, please contact International Counsel Tom Schmid with any questions or concerns ([email protected]).
The Executive Committee encourages each country committee to review its current harassment policy and to adopt a policy similar to the revised Code of Conduct and Ethics as a set of minimum standards of conduct applicable at the country committee level.
We understand that the revised Code of Conduct is just a first step; we also understand that that our principles, our definitions, and our policies will grow over time with the input of our fellow DA leaders. Thus, we anticipate, and look forward to, your feedback on the revised Code of Conduct and Ethics. Your informal feedback is welcome, and those who wish to formalize their input may consider proposing a resolution or charter amendment for the next Global Meeting in Tokyo in May 2018.
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