The Michigan Convention of Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous (“MCYPAA”) adheres to the spiritual principles of Alcoholics Anonymous (“AA”), its 12 Steps, Traditions, and Concepts. MCYPAA is committed to an environment that is free of discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment. To this end, MCYPAA requires the MCYPAA Advisory Council (“Advisory Council”), MCYPAA Host Committee (“Host Committee”) members, Bid Committee members, attendees of the annual conference or events, and all participants in MCYPAA-operated or -moderated websites, internet forums or social media pages (including but not limited to: MCYPAA.org, the private MCYPAA Facebook group and Facebook groups maintained by the Host Committee) to adhere to this Policy.

 

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

MCYPAA expressly prohibits any form of discrimination by or against its Advisory Council Members, Host Committee members, Bid Committee members, or attendees of the annual conference or events, and all participants in MCYPAA- operated or -moderated websites, internet forums or social media pages, based on age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Discrimination is adverse treatment of any individuals based on their said protected attribute, rather than on the basis of their individual merit.

 

ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY

MCYPAA expressly prohibits any form of harassment or sexual harassment by or against any Advisory Council members, Host Committee members, Bid Committee members, attendees of the annual conference events, and all participants in MCYPAA-operated or -moderated websites, Internet forums or social media pages.

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Harassment is unwelcome or unwanted conduct, whether verbal, physical or visual toward an individual because of their age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, when the conduct creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.

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Sexual harassment is conduct committed by an individual of any sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression,which makes or subjects any person to unwelcome sexual advances, unwelcome requests for sexual favors, or engages in any other unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, where (1) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for decisions affecting that individual, or (2) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s experience by creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.

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Determining what constitutes sexual harassment depends upon the specific facts and the context in which the conduct occurs. Sexual harassment may take many forms-subtle and indirect, or blatant and overt. For example:

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• It may be conduct toward an individual of the opposite sex or the same sex.

• It may occur between peers or between individuals in a superior-subordinate relationship.

• It may be aimed at coercing an individual to participate in an unwanted sexual relationship.

• It may consist of repeated actions or may arise from only a single incident if sufficiently serious.

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For example, any of these examples may constitute sexual harassment depending on the circumstances, and whether or not such conduct is perceived to be offensive by the person to whom it is directed or in whose presence it occurs:

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(1) offensive sex-oriented verbal kidding, teasing or jokes; (2) repeated unwanted sexual flirtations, advances or propositions; (3) continued or repeated verbal abuse of a sexual nature; (4) graphic or degrading comments about a person’s appearance or sexual activity; (5) offensive visual conduct, including leering, making sexual gestures, the display of offensive sexually suggestive objects or pictures, videos, cartoons or posters; (6) unwelcome pressure for sexual activity; (7) suggestive or obscene letters, notes or invitations; or (8) unwanted physical contact such as patting, grabbing, pinching, or brushing against another's body.

 

REPORTING

Discrimination, harassment, and sexual harassment are unacceptable at MCYPAA’s annual conference and all related events, and on MCYPAA-operated or moderated websites, internet forums and social media pages. Instances of discrimination, harassment, and sexual harassment violate this policy even when they do not constitute a violation of law. Violations of this policy may be reported to members of the Advisory Council, Host Committee, or by email to NDAH@mcypaa.org. Reported incidents will be documented and reviewed by the Advisory Council. MCYPAAAC may follow up with parties involved in the reported incident as needed. If an incident occurs in clear violation of the law, or if someone feels their safety is in jeopardy, the proper authorities will be notified. Calling the authorities does not go against any AA Traditions and is recommended when someone may have broken the law or endangered the safety of another person. 

 

CONFIDENTIALITY

MCYPAA recognizes that confidentiality is important. Those responsible for implementing this policy will respect the confidentiality and privacy of individuals reporting or accused of discrimination, harassment, or sexual harassment to the extent reasonably possible. Examples of situations where confidentiality cannot be maintained include circumstances when MCYPAA is required by law to disclose information (such as in response to legal process) and when disclosure is required by MCYPAA’s outweighing interest in protecting the rights of others.

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For questions, concerns, and reporting of incidents please email NDAH@mcypaa.org