Anti-Harassment & Discrimination

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Effective Date: November 12, 2023
Last Updated: March 20, 2026

1. Purpose and Commitment

Mentor Me Now Foundation is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, inclusive, and equitable environment for all employees, volunteers, mentors, program participants, board members, and community partners.

The Foundation strictly prohibits harassment, discrimination, intimidation, and retaliation in any form. This policy establishes standards for preventing, identifying, reporting, and addressing inappropriate conduct to ensure that all individuals are treated with dignity and fairness.

2. Scope of Policy

This policy applies to all individuals associated with Mentor Me Now Foundation, including:

• Employees and contractors
• Volunteers and mentors
• Members of the Board of Directors
• Program participants and families
• Consultants, partners, and vendors
• Individuals participating in Foundation-sponsored events or activities

This policy applies in all organizational settings, including in-person programs, virtual environments, community events, and digital communications.

3. Definitions

Harassment includes any unwelcome conduct — verbal, nonverbal, visual, digital, or physical — that demeans, intimidates, threatens, humiliates, or creates a hostile or offensive environment for an individual or group.

Harassment may be based on protected characteristics including, but not limited to:

• Race or ethnicity
• Sex or gender identity
• Age
• Religion
• Sexual orientation
• National origin
• Disability
• Marital or family status
• Any other classification protected under applicable laws

Harassment may occur as a single serious incident or as a pattern of behavior.

Discrimination refers to unequal treatment, exclusion, or denial of opportunities based on an individual’s membership in a protected class. This may include decisions related to hiring, promotion, program participation, compensation, volunteer opportunities, leadership roles, or termination.

4. Prevention and Organizational Responsibility

Mentor Me Now Foundation is committed to proactive prevention of harassment and discrimination through:

• Periodic training for employees, volunteers, mentors, and board members
• Clear communication of behavioral expectations and policies
• Leadership accountability and role modeling of inclusive practices
• Safe reporting channels and responsive support systems

Retaliation against any individual who reports concerns or participates in an investigation is strictly prohibited.

5. Reporting Concerns

Any individual who believes they have experienced or witnessed harassment or discrimination is encouraged to report the concern promptly.

Reports may be made to:

• The Executive Director
• A designated program supervisor
• A member of the Board of Directors

Reports may be submitted verbally or in writing and may be made anonymously where appropriate. The Foundation will make reasonable efforts to maintain confidentiality while ensuring that concerns are properly reviewed and addressed.

6. Investigation Procedures

All reported concerns will be reviewed in a timely, fair, and impartial manner.

The Foundation may:

• Gather relevant information and documentation
• Interview involved individuals and witnesses
• Consult legal or governance advisors when necessary
• Implement interim safety measures during the review process

Investigations will prioritize the well-being of affected individuals and the integrity of organizational operations.

7. Corrective and Disciplinary Action

If a violation of this policy is substantiated, Mentor Me Now Foundation will take appropriate corrective action based on the severity and nature of the misconduct.

Actions may include:

• Coaching or formal warnings
• Mandatory training or supervision adjustments
• Suspension from programs or volunteer duties
• Termination of employment or volunteer engagement
• Removal from board service
• Referral to external authorities when required

The Foundation will also take reasonable steps to prevent recurrence.

8. Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

Mentor Me Now Foundation is dedicated to building an organizational culture where diversity is valued, equity is promoted, and inclusion is actively practiced. All individuals are expected to contribute to an environment that supports respectful collaboration and equal opportunity.

9. Policy Review

This policy shall be reviewed periodically to ensure compliance with applicable laws, nonprofit governance standards, and organizational growth needs.

Approved By:
Dr. LaTonya Miller
Executive Director
Mentor Me Now Foundation