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Garren Creek Foundation Code of Conduct and Conflict Resolution Policy
 

Purpose
This policy is meant to help create a respectful, supportive, and cooperative environment for everyone involved with the organization, including board members, volunteers, staff, and community partners.

Because relationships are at the heart of The Garren Creek Foundation community, the board believes conflicts should be handled with honesty, respect, and a shared commitment to the community we serve. This policy promotes open communication, healthy conflict resolution, and teamwork that aligns with our mission and values.
 

Code of Conduct

  • Treat others with kindness, dignity, and respect.

  • Communicate honestly and respectfully.

  • Listen to different perspectives.

  • Work together to support the mission.

  • Handle disagreements calmly and constructively.

  • Respect confidentiality.

  • Avoid gossip, bullying, harassment, retaliation, or personal attacks.

  • Represent the organization positively, both publicly, and virtually on social media platforms and communication forums.
     

Conflict Resolution Process

Step 1: Work It Out Together

The people involved should first meet privately and make a good-faith effort to resolve the issue through respectful conversation, active listening, and a willingness to find a solution.
 

Step 2: Meet with a Board Member

If the issue cannot be resolved, either person may request mediation from a board member(s) who will remain neutral and help facilitate a constructive discussion.
 

Step 3: Outside Mediation

If needed, the Board may provide a neutral outside mediator to help the parties work toward a mutually acceptable resolution.


Serious Concerns

Threats, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, financial misconduct, or other serious policy violations should be reported directly to the Board President or another board member, along with any known violation of the General Rules posted inside the barn:

 

Confidentiality

Everyone involved should respect privacy and keep sensitive matters confidential whenever possible.
 

No Retaliation

No one will be treated unfairly for raising concerns in good faith or participating in the conflict resolution process.
 

Accountability

The Board may take appropriate action, up to and including verbal or written warnings, suspension of responsibilities, removal from leadership or volunteer roles when this policy, and revoked access to online communication, in-person programming, and revoked access to the property when this policy is repeatedly violated for a determined or undetermined amount of time pending further resolution attempts.

 

This Code of Conduct and Conflict Resolution Policy is intended to address interpersonal disagreements. Concerns involving fraud, financial misconduct, legal violations, or other unethical behavior should be handled under the Foundation’s Whistleblower Policy
 

Adoption

Adopted by the Board of Directors on: August 1st, 2026

Whistleblower Policy
 

Purpose
The Garren Creek Foundation is committed to honesty, integrity, and accountability in everything we do. We encourage board members, volunteers, and anyone acting on behalf of the Foundation to speak up if they have concerns about illegal, unethical, or inappropriate conduct.
 

This policy is intended to create a safe way to report concerns without fear of retaliation
 

What Should be Reported

Anyone associated with the Foundation is encouraged to report concerns involving:

  • Fraud or theft

  • Misuse of Foundation funds, property, or resources

  • Violations of laws or regulations

  • Unsafe practices as defined by the Garren Creek Foundation rules and policies

  • Harassment, discrimination, or retaliation

  • Any conduct that could harm the Foundation, its mission, or the community we serve

 

Good-faith concerns should always be reported, even if they later prove to be unfounded
 

Avenues to Report a Concern

Concerns should be brought directly to a board member. Reports may be made verbally or in writing, and should include as much factual information as possible. Reports can be made via email at info@garrencreek.org, annonymously on the contact form on the website, anonymously via the “Comments and Concerns” Box on the foundation merchandise table, or verbally directly to a board member.
 

Confidentiality

The Foundation will make every reasonable effort to keep reports confidential.
 

Information will only be shared with those who need to review and respond appropriately to the concern. Complete confidentiality cannot always be guaranteed, depending on the situation, and may require additional information or legal support.
 

No Retaliation

No one who reports a concern in good faith will be punished, threatened, harassed, or treated unfairly for speaking up. Retaliation against anyone who raises a concern or participated in an investigation is itself a violation of Foundation policy and may result in disciplinary action.
 

False Reports

This policy is intended to protect people who report concerns honestly and in good faith. Knowingly making false accusations or intentionally providing misleading information may result in appropriate action by the Board.
 

Review of Concerns

The Board of Directors will review reported concerns promptly and fairly.

When appropriate, the Board may:

  • Gather additional information

  • Speak with those involved

  • Seek advice from legal counsel or outside professionals

  • Take corrective action when necessary
     

The Board will make every effort to address concerns in a timely and respectful manner while protecting the privacy of everyone involved.

 

This policy will be reviewed annually and can be modified at any time by the Board of Directors.
 

Adoption

Adopted by the Board of Directors on: August 1st, 2026

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