Code of Conduct

1. Introduction

Bay Area Sea Kayakers (BASK) exists to promote safe and responsible sea kayaking and develop a sense of community among sea kayakers by providing a forum for meetings, paddling opportunities, education, and networking. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive paddling club. We encourage community members to participate regardless of age, gender, gender identities, gender expression, race, religion, ethnicity, physical ability or characteristic, sexual orientation, nationality, beliefs, or socioeconomic background or status.

2. BASK Code of Conduct (July 2021)

BASK members agree to the following:

3. The Support Team

The Support Team is composed of two BASK members who shall receive and investigate all reports of harassment or unwelcome behavior. The Team’s goal is to objectively and fairly investigate reports while maintaining integrity of the process and respecting individual privacy as much as possible. The Support Team will try to gain sufficient understanding of the situation and ensure that all involved parties are well-supported throughout the process. In order to meet the spirit and goals of the BASK Code of Conduct the Support Team will, in practice, follow the definitions/guidelines/procedures outlined below:

• What is considered harassment and unwelcome behavior?

  This takes many forms, but can generally be defined as behavior which is insulting, intimidating, humiliating, hurtful, malicious, degrading or otherwise offensive to an individual or groups of individuals or which creates an uncomfortable environment.

• What is considered to be Non-Harassment?

  Jokes and behavior which are genuinely enjoyed and consented to by everyone present are not harassment. Sexual interaction or flirtation that is based on mutual attraction and friendship, and which is consensual or invited, is not sexual harassment. However it is important to recognize that some people may accept or put up with behavior they may actually find harassing, especially if they are a newer or less experienced member of the club. It is the responsibility of all members of the club to be sensitive to the impact of their behavior and/or comments.

• How to report a concern

  To report a concern, members may email the Support Team at Code@Bask.org. If you would like to discuss the matter via telephone, please send an email with your phone number, and a member of the Support Team will call you.

  Reports made through any of the above methods will be accessed only by the Support Team.

  A note about anonymity:

  1. If a member provides information to the Support Team but does not want us to talk to the person or persons involved, we may not be able to take action. We will retain the information and may contact the reporter in the future.
  2. If requested, we will not disclose the identity of the reporter during our investigation. We will make every appropriate effort to protect anonymity, though we acknowledge that it may not always be possible to prevent someone from guessing the identity of a reporter.

  Reporters are encouraged to provide the following details:

  • Reporter’s name(s) and contact information (unless anonymous)
  • Type of concern/misconduct
  • Name of person(s) potentially breaching the Standards of Conduct
  • Date, time, and location of incident(s)
  • Details of incident(s)
  • Name(s) of any witness(es)

  The Support Team will determine if a report is actionable and document each report in a file accessed only by the Support Team. If needed and appropriate, BASK board members may assist the Support Team. Additionally, the Support Team may seek assistance from outside BASK, with agreement from BASK board members and appropriate consent from those involved. Such assistance could include, but is not limited to, mediation. The Support Team aims to acknowledge receipt of an initial report within a week and endeavors to resolve problems as quickly as possible. The Support Team will typically speak privately with the reporter(s) and then with the individuals about whom the concern was raised, as well as with any others as needed. The circumstances and names of those involved will be kept confidential to the greatest extent possible.

• Resolution

  At the conclusion of an investigation, the Support Team will determine the need for any possible action and develop strategies for resolution. Examples of strategies for resolution could include, but are not limited to: mediation, reminders about what is considered respectful behavior amongst BASK members, suspension/exclusion from club activities/communications, revocation of membership, up to reporting to legal authorities if necessary.

  The Support Team is committed to finding resolutions that are compassionate, measured, and support all involved, as much as possible. The outcome of the report will be shared with the president of BASK, who will inform the involved individuals of the outcome.

  Parties may appeal the Support Team’s decisions by writing to the BASK president. The Support Team will then provide the president with its notes on the matter. The president will oversee and decide all appeals, unless the president is in some way connected with the case. In such instances, the vice president, or other unconnected officer, will oversee and determine the outcome of an appeal. Outside resources may be used to advise on appeals. Outcomes of all appeals are final.