Values and Code of Conduct

Our Mission

Rainbow Pooch Pride is a network, membership-driven, hub that brings the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and related identities)LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, plus) community together through their shared love of dogs. Our mission is to champion dogs as emotional support animals and acknowledge them in positive service to LGBTQIA+ lives.

Our Core Values:

Wellbeing (in nature)

We recognise the LGBTQIA+ lives are disproportionately affected by mental health challenges. Wellbeing is at the centre of all our activities. Particularly, green spaces are proven to improve physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. We value that dogs connect us to green spaces more often.

Kindness and Understanding

We recognise that some days are better than others. We practice kindness and understanding as an ethic of communal caretaking and caregiving. Through this we build nurturing and supportive environments that welcome the individual, and foster understanding between people of diverse sexual and gender orientations.

Pride

We come together with, and through, our sense of pride. That is, pride in our community, and pride in our dogs and the role they play in LGBTQIA+ lives.

More-than-human kinships

We know that dogs are integral to how LGBTQIA+ individuals envision and enact family. We value more-than-human kinships which offer a stable base of unconditional love, a sense of belonging, and enable us to build families not solely defined by blood/biological ties.

Alcohol- Substance Free Social Space

LGBTQIA+ social spaces can often centre around the drinking culture of a young and vibrant nightlife. LGBTQIA+ lives, however, face unique mental health challenges that may leave them more vulnerable to substance use. We offer a healthy, safe, substance-free, alternative space for people to meet and socialise.

Code of Conduct for Members:

Our membership is open to anyone (aged 18+ years old) who support the aims and values of Rainbow Pooch Pride. Membership will begin as soon as a member signs up to the portal. Members can also be individuals recruited on a project by project basis to volunteer and/or work for Rainbow Pooch Pride. All members hereby agreed to the following code of conduct:

To take responsibility for your own dog. Where necessary this includes ensuring that your dog is appropriately socialised to be able to mix safely with other dogs and humans; cleaning up dog mess; ensuring that your dog is adequately fed and watered; bringing your own dog lead/harness; communicating your dog’s specific needs/behaviours.
To take responsibility for yourself. Where it applies; only share, engage or contribute in a way that you feel comfortable/happy with; arrive promptly for events; dress weather-appropriate; ensure that you are adequately fed and watered; do not bring substances or arrive under the influence of substances; do not leave litter at events; ensure your specific needs are disclosed on your membership form.
To act with confidentiality. Understand that sometimes sensitive information may be shared by other group members during Rainbow Pooch Pride events. Treat this with confidentiality and do not share it with others unless the individual has given their consent for you to do so.
To respect others’ views. Give space for other members to talk/contribute and listen without passing judgement or criticism.
To respect privacy and personal space. Give individuals plenty of personal space. Do not touch or make contact without asking their permission. Refrain from making assumptions about what is acceptable in terms of personal space. Respect people’s right to privacy. Do not force or coerce people in to sharing information with you.
To remember that we come together for positive benefit. All members should be treated fairly, equally and with respect by the Association, its Committee, individuals employed to provide services, volunteers, and other members. Members should be able to socialise in an environment free from all forms of harassment and discrimination.
To treat green spaces with respect. Where activities take place in green spaces; do not destroy or cause harm to nature; do not litter; respect other peoples’ enjoyment of public spaces.
To report behaviours and/or comments that suggest the welfare and safety of a human or dog may be at risk. These should be reported immediately to enable the appropriate signposting measure to take effect.
To abide by and uphold the Constitution

Examples of behaviour that will not be tolerated:

Verbal abuse and insults, including threats towards others and/or their dog(s)
Physical violence, including unwanted touching of others and/or their dog(s)
Intoxication due to alcohol or drugs
Written abuse, threats or lies on social media, when associated with the group
Breaking confidentiality
Theft
Carrying firearms or illegal weapons

Breaches of Conduct

Rainbow Pooch Pride is a trans-inclusive, LGBTQIA+ affirmative, organisation . Any offensive, harmful, or disruptive behaviour based on people’s gender, sexual orientation and/or other protected characteristics will not be permitted. Anyone behaving in an offensive way or breaking the Values and Code of Conduct policy may be asked not to attend further meetings events or to resign as a memberfrom the group if an apology is not given or the behaviour is repeated. The individual concerned shall have the right to be heard by the management committee, accompanied by a friend, before a final decision is made.

Failure to abide by this Code of Conduct and not uphold group’s Rainbow Pooch Pride’s values will either:

Result in a warning issued by the activity leader in the case of minor offences.
Be taken to the Management Committee if the matter persists where a decision regarding membership will be made. Exclusion to membership may be permanent or lasting a minimum of six months.
Result in the member being asked to resign with immediate effect with a permanent ban in the case of physical and/or sexual violence, carriage of firearms/illegal weapons, theft and similar serious breaches of conduct.
In the case of animal cruelty complaints the member will be asked to resign immediately, and the incident will be reported to the appropriate authority for investigation.

If a complaint/concern is being made about another member or the activity leader a letter of complaint can be directed to the Committee at hello@rainbowpoochpride.com.