Policies

Bullying & Harassment

1. Introduction

Apna Heritage is committed to providing a respectful and inclusive environment for all employees, volunteers, and stakeholders. This policy aims to prevent and address bullying and harassment in the workplace and during the course of our activities. Bullying and harassment are not tolerated in any form, and this policy outlines the procedures to report and address such behaviour.

2. Definition

a. Bullying: Bullying refers to repeated, unreasonable, and unwelcome behaviour that may cause harm, discomfort, or distress to individuals. This includes, but is not limited to, verbal abuse, humiliation, intimidation, or any behaviour that undermines an individual’s dignity.

b. Harassment: Harassment is any unwanted behaviour, action, or conduct based on a protected characteristic, such as age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other factor, which creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive environment.

3. Responsibility

All individuals associated with Apna Heritage are responsible for maintaining a workplace and environment free from bullying and harassment. This includes staff, volunteers, donors, and visitors.

4. Reporting Procedure

a. If you believe you are being subjected to bullying or harassment or have witnessed such behaviour, it is essential to report it promptly.

b. Report the incident to your immediate supervisor, manager, or another trusted individual in the organization.

c. If you are uncomfortable reporting to your immediate supervisor or manager, you can contact the designated Bullying and Harassment Officer (BHO) at Apna Heritage.

d. All reports will be treated confidentially, and Apna Heritage will protect your identity to the extent permitted by law.

5. Investigation Procedure

a. Upon receiving a report, Apna Heritage will conduct a thorough and impartial investigation.

b. The BHO will appoint an investigator who will interview the parties involved and any witnesses.

c. The investigator will maintain confidentiality and conduct a fair and timely investigation.

d. At the conclusion of the investigation, a report will be prepared and shared with the parties involved and appropriate action will be taken.

6. Consequences

Apna Heritage is committed to taking appropriate action if bullying or harassment is substantiated. Consequences may include disciplinary action, counselling, training, or other measures designed to prevent further incidents.

7. Retaliation

Retaliation against individuals who report bullying or harassment, or who participate in investigations, is strictly prohibited and will be treated as a separate violation of this policy.

8. Training and Education

Apna Heritage will provide training and education on this policy and the prevention of bullying and harassment to all employees, volunteers, and stakeholders.

9. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure its effectiveness in addressing bullying and harassment. Feedback from employees, volunteers, and stakeholders will be considered in these reviews.

10. Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns related to this policy, please contact the Bullying and Harassment Officer (BHO) at Apna Heritage.

Conclusion

Apna Heritage is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all. This policy is designed to protect individuals from bullying and harassment and provide a framework for reporting and addressing such behaviour. We encourage open communication and collaboration to foster a positive and inclusive culture within our organisation.

By implementing and communicating this policy, Apna Heritage strives to create an environment where the arts, culture, and heritage of the Mirpur region and surrounding areas can be celebrated and shared without fear of bullying or harassment.

 

 

 1. Introduction

Apna Heritage is committed to promoting its mission and goals without engaging in partisan political activities. This policy is designed to ensure that Apna Heritage maintains its nonpartisan status while allowing individuals associated with the organization to engage in lawful and responsible political activities. The following guidelines outline the rules for political activity within Apna Heritage.

2. Nonpartisan Status

Apna Heritage is a nonpartisan organisation and does not endorse or support any political party or candidate. The organisation’s primary focus is on promoting and advancing the arts, culture, and heritage of the Mirpur region and surrounding areas, as well as other related educational activities.

3. Personal Political Activities

a. Individuals associated with Apna Heritage, including staff, volunteers, and stakeholders, have the right to engage in political activities as private citizens. This includes voting, making political donations, and expressing personal political opinions.

b. When engaging in personal political activities, individuals must make it clear that they are acting in their personal capacity and not on behalf of Apna Heritage.

4. Use of Apna Heritage Resources

a. Apna Heritage resources, such as facilities, funds, equipment, and communication channels, should not be used for any political campaign, party, or candidate.

b. Apna Heritage’s name, logo, or resources should not be associated with any political campaign, party, or candidate without explicit written permission from the organisation’s leadership.

5. Political Endorsements

a. Apna Heritage will not endorse or oppose any political candidate or party.

b. The organisation will not engage in activities that could be construed as political endorsements, such as hosting campaign events for specific candidates or using its platform to promote any particular political agenda.

6. Educational and Awareness Programs

Apna Heritage may engage in educational and awareness programs on issues related to its mission, including cultural preservation, heritage promotion, or educational matters. These programs should be presented in a nonpartisan manner.

7. Reporting Violations

If individuals associated with Apna Heritage believe that this policy has been violated or have concerns regarding political activities within the organisation, they should report their concerns to the appropriate authority within the organization.

Campaigns and Political Activity Procedures

1. Clarifying Personal Capacity

When engaging in personal political activities, individuals should make it clear that they are acting in their personal capacity and not on behalf of Apna Heritage. This can be done through disclaimers in personal communications, such as emails and social media profiles.

2. Use of Resources

Any request to use Apna Heritage resources for political activities should be directed to the organisation’s leadership. Such requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis and should comply with applicable laws and regulations.

3. Education and Awareness Programs

Any educational or awareness programs related to cultural heritage or other relevant topics should be conducted in a nonpartisan manner. Speakers and materials should be selected with care to ensure balance and
impartiality.

4. Enforcement and Reporting Violations

Apna Heritage will monitor and enforce this policy, and individuals who violate it may be subject to corrective action. If individuals have concerns or believe the policy has been violated, they should report their concerns to the designated authority within the organisation.

Conclusion

Apna Heritage recognises the importance of maintaining a nonpartisan status while allowing individuals associated with the organisation to engage in lawful and responsible political activities. By adhering to this
policy, Apna Heritage ensures that its primary focus remains on its mission of promoting and advancing the arts, culture, and heritage of the Mirpur region and surrounding areas, while respecting the rights of individuals to
participate in political activities as private citizens.