Here’s how we can help:
We think addressing concerns about harassment, abuse, and unhealthy situations is one of the most important things we do as a chapter. We have a detailed Code of Conduct and two different options to help resolve issues.
One: you can talk to our Conflict Resolution committee. If you do, you’ll meet with some members of the Conflict Resolution committee. Everything you say in this meeting is confidential. They can outline your other options, including reaching out to other people on your behalf, having a mediated conversation, or just continuing to talk in private. Conflict Resolution is never mandatory, and doesn’t administer disciplinary action, so it might not be the right solution for every conflict. You can read more about Conflict Resolution here, or make a request to speak with Conflict Resolution here.
Two: you can file a grievance by reaching out to DSA SF’s Grievance Officers, two members elected to handle harassment and abusive behavior. Our bylaws outline a concrete process that’s triggered as soon as you reach out to the Grievance Officers:
- You’ll be contacted acknowledging receipt of the complaint.
- The Grievance Officers will reach out to the accused member within seven days asking for a response to the accusations.
- The Grievance Officers will decide collectively on an action to take, including possibly expulsion or suspension, and make that recommendation to the Steering Committee.
- The Steering Committee will vote on whether to take that action.
You can reach out to the Grievance Officers and begin this process by emailing grievance@dsasf.org.
Still not sure what’s the best for you? You might find this document, which compares the Grievance Officer process and Conflict Resolution, useful.
For all chapter accessibility requests, please email steering@dsasf.org.