HARRASSMENT POLICY

Tragedy and Hope, Inc. | DBA: AUTONOMY

PREFACE

The following policies, guidelines, and rules are an extension of the AUTONOMY Terms of Service and are designed to ensure a safe, respectful, and productive environment for all Members, Participants, and Associates of AUTONOMY. By accessing, using, or participating in any AUTONOMY services, programs, or communities, you agree to comply with the Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, Rules of Engagement, Culture of Excellence, and all other applicable accompanying policies and guidelines.

These policies collectively form a unified agreement, and your continued participation in AUTONOMY constitutes your acknowledgement and acceptance of all terms outlined herein.

INTRODUCTION

The following policies, guidelines, and rules are an extension of the AUTONOMY Terms of Service and are designed to ensure a safe, respectful, and productive environment for all Members, Participants, and Associates of AUTONOMY. By accessing, using, or participating in any AUTONOMY services, programs, or communities, you agree to comply with the Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, Rules of Engagement, Culture of Excellence, and all other accompanying policies and guidelines.

These policies collectively form a unified agreement, and your continued participation in AUTONOMY constitutes your acknowledgement and acceptance of all terms outlined herein.

ARTICLE 1 – INTRODUCTION

THIS HARASSMENT POLICY APPLIES TO ALL MEMBERS, EMPLOYEES, FREELANCERS, VOLUNTEERS, SUB-CONTRACTORS, MANAGERS, ASSISTANTS, AGENTS, CLIENTS, CUSTOMERS, FACULTY, STUDENTS, CASUAL WORKERS, CONTRACTORS, AND VISITORS (COLLECTIVELY REFERRED TO AS “PARTICIPANTS”) ASSOCIATED WITH TRAGEDY AND HOPE, INC., A CONNECTICUT LIMITED C-CORPORATION D/B/A “AUTONOMY” AND “HTTPS://GETAUTONOMY.INFO/,” A BUSINESS ORGANIZED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT, U.S.A., HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS “AUTONOMY.”

BY PARTICIPATING IN ANY PROGRAM, COURSE, EVENT, WORKSHOP, FORUM, PRODUCT OR SERVICE OR ANY OTHER COMMUNICATION CHANNELS OR ACTIVITY OFFERED BY AUTONOMY, OR BY ACCESSING AUTONOMY’S PHYSICAL OR VIRTUAL SPACES, YOU AGREE TO COMPLY WITH THE TERMS OF THIS HARASSMENT POLICY. THIS POLICY IS DESIGNED TO ENSURE A SAFE, RESPECTFUL, AND INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS AND TO PROMOTE AUTONOMY’S CORE VALUE OF “BEING EXCELLENT TO EACH OTHER.”

ARTICLE 2 – PREFACE

At AUTONOMY, we are committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants, employees, and associates. Our guiding principle is simple: “Be Excellent to Each Other.”

All AUTONOMY Members, Associates, Students, and Participants are held to a standard of excellence that reflects this mission.

ARTICLE 3 – HARASSMENT, SEXUAL HARASSMENT, AND DISCRIMINATION POLICY

AUTONOMY is dedicated to providing a safe environment free from discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment, for all individuals associated with our organization. We operate a zero-tolerance policy for any form of harassment or discrimination, whether it occurs within AUTONOMY’s physical or virtual spaces, or during events, business trips, or conferences sponsored by AUTONOMY.

All complaints of harassment will be taken seriously, treated with respect and confidentiality, and promptly investigated. Any individual found to have engaged in harassment, including sexual harassment, will face disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, removal from AUTONOMY’s Programs, or a ban from AUTONOMY’s community networks.

No individual will face retaliation or victimization for filing a complaint in good faith.

ARTICLE 4 – WHO THIS POLICY APPLIES TO

This policy applies to all Participants and individuals associated with AUTONOMY, including but not limited to:

• Members, employees, freelancers, volunteers, sub-contractors, managers, assistants, and agents working for, with, or on behalf of AUTONOMY.
• Clients, customers, faculty, students, casual workers, contractors, or visitors.

Harassment is prohibited regardless of the sex, gender, race, color, religion, or national origin of the individuals involved. It applies to conduct between individuals of the same or different sexes.

This policy does not apply to personal conversations or relationships outside of AUTONOMY; however, discretion is advised, and all individuals are encouraged to act responsibly and respectfully in all situations.

ARTICLE 5 – DEFINITION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that makes a person feel offended, humiliated, or intimidated. It includes, but is not limited to:

1.  Physical Conduct
   • Unwelcome physical contact, such as patting, pinching, stroking, kissing, hugging, fondling, or inappropriate touching.
   • Physical violence, including sexual assault.
   • The use of job-related threats or rewards to solicit sexual favors.
2.  Verbal Conduct

• Comments on an individual’s appearance, age, private life, etc.
• Sexual comments, stories, or jokes.
• Sexual advances or repeated, unwanted social invitations for dates or physical intimacy.
• Insults or condescending remarks based on sex or gender.
• Sending sexually explicit messages via phone, email, or other communication channels.

3.  Non-Verbal Conduct

• Displaying sexually explicit or suggestive material.
• Sexually suggestive gestures, whistling, or leering.
• Displaying nudity in virtual meetings.

ARTICLE 6 – DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

Individuals found to have engaged in harassment, including sexual harassment, will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include:

• A written warning.
• A poor performance review or evaluation.
• A performance improvement plan.
• Reduction in rank or pay.
• Termination of employment or contractual relationship.
• Termination of Lifetime Enrollment.
• A ban from all AUTONOMY community networks.

Even if certain behavior does not meet the legal definition of harassment, it may still violate AUTONOMY’s standards of conduct and result in disciplinary action.

ARTICLE 7 – COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

1.  Filing a Complaint

Anyone who experiences harassment is encouraged to inform the alleged harasser that the behavior is unwelcome. If this is not possible, or if the individual feels unsafe, they may file a confidential complaint through AUTONOMY’s designated safety portal by contacting Lisa Arbercheski at [email protected].

2.  Complaint Handling Process

When a complaint is received, AUTONOMY will:

• Record the dates, times, and facts of the incident(s).
• Ascertain the victim’s desired outcome.
• Ensure the victim understands the company’s procedures for handling complaints.
• Discuss and agree on the next steps, whether informal or formal.
• Keep a confidential record of all discussions and actions.
• Respect the victim’s choice to pursue the matter internally or through external legal channels.

ARTICLE 8 – INFORMAL COMPLAINTS MECHANISM

If the victim wishes to resolve the matter informally, AUTONOMY will:

1. Allow the alleged harasser to respond to the complaint.
2. Facilitate a discussion between both parties to achieve a resolution.
3. Refer the matter to a mediator if necessary.
4. Keep a confidential record of the resolution process.
5. Follow up to ensure the behavior has stopped.

The informal process will be completed within 60 days of the complaint being made.

ARTICLE 9 – FORMAL COMPLAINTS MECHANISM

If the informal process is unsuccessful or the victim chooses to file a formal complaint, AUTONOMY will:

1. Assign a designated investigator to conduct a formal investigation.
2. Interview the victim, alleged harasser, and any relevant third parties.
3. Determine whether the harassment occurred.
4. Produce a report detailing findings and recommendations.
5. Implement appropriate remedies, such as:

• An apology.
• Changes to working arrangements.
• Training for the harasser.
• Disciplinary action, including suspension or dismissal.

The formal process will be completed within 7-14 days of the complaint being made.

ARTICLE 10 – OUTSIDE COMPLAINTS MECHANISMS

Victims of harassment may also file complaints through external legal channels or relevant authorities in their jurisdiction.

ARTICLE 11 – SANCTIONS AND DISCIPLINARY MEASURES

Sanctions for harassment may include:

• Verbal or written warnings.
• Adverse performance evaluations.
• Reduction in wages or rank.
• Transfer or demotion.
• Suspension or dismissal.

The severity of the sanctions will depend on the gravity of the offense. Retaliation against individuals who file complaints will also result in disciplinary action.

ARTICLE 12 – IMPLEMENTATION AND TRAINING

AUTONOMY will ensure this policy is widely disseminated and included in the staff handbook. All new employees will receive training on this policy during their onboarding process.

Additionally, all employees will be required to attend annual refresher training to reinforce the principles and procedures outlined in this policy.

ARTICLE 13 – MONITORING AND EVALUATION

AUTONOMY will monitor the effectiveness of this policy by:

• Collecting anonymous data on incidents and outcomes.
• Requiring supervisors and managers to report on compliance.
• Conducting an annual review of the policy and making necessary updates.

ARTICLE 14 – OUR COMMITMENT

AUTONOMY is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all individuals associated with its Programs, services, and community. Harassment, including sexual harassment and discrimination, will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

AUTONOMY will continue to monitor, evaluate, and improve this policy to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with best practices. All participants are encouraged to report any incidents of harassment promptly and to cooperate fully with any investigations.

Together, we can ensure that AUTONOMY remains a safe and supportive environment for everyone.

ARTICLE 15 – CHANGES TO THIS HARASSMENT POLICY

AUTONOMY may update this Harassment Policy from time to time. Significant changes will be posted on the Website or, at AUTONOMY’s discretion, sent to your primary email address.

Last Updated: January 1st, 2025

CONTACTING US

If you have questions or suggestions regarding this Refund Policy, use our AUTONOMY Support form or please contact Lisa Arbercheski at [email protected] or contact AUTONOMY at:

Tragedy and Hope, Inc. (D/B/A AUTONOMY)
1519 Sullivan Avenue
South Windsor, Connecticut 06074
Email: [email protected]
Website: getautonomy.info/