Purpose: This procedure is designed to provide a clear and fair process for resolving concerns or complaints raised by individuals involved with daCi, including members, volunteers, staff and other stakeholders. It aims to ensure all grievances are handled with respect, integrity, and accountability.

Scope:

This procedure applies to:

• daCi members and National/Regional Chapters
• Advisory Boad and Executive Committee members
• Workshop leaders, performers, participants, and volunteers
• All other stakeholders of daCi

Grievances may relate to:

• Discrimination, harassment, or exclusion
• Misconduct by representatives of daCi
• Breach of daCi's values or policies
• Unfair treatment or conflicts related to organizational participation

Core Principles:

• Respect and Sensitivity: daCi values diversity and artistic expression. Grievances will be approached with cultural sensitivity and empathy.
• Confidentiality: All complaints will be treated confidentially, with information shared only on a need-to-know basis.
• Non-retaliation: Complainants acting in good faith will be protected from any form of retaliation.
• Fairness and Timeliness: Investigations will be impartial and concluded within a reasonable timeframe.

Grievance Procedure

Step 1: Informal Resolution

Where appropriate, individuals are encouraged to seek informal resolution by directly discussing the issue with the person(s) involved. This may include the support of a neutral mediator within daCi’s Advisory Board.

Step 2: Formal Submission to the National or Regional Representative

If informal resolution is not possible or the matter is serious, the complainant should submit a formal written grievance to their daCi National or Regional Representative. The submission should include:

• A clear description of the issue
• Date(s) and location(s) of incident(s)
• Persons involved • Any supporting evidence
• Desired outcome or resolution

The National or Regional Representative must acknowledge receipt within 7 calendar days and begin reviewing the case.

Step 3: Formal Submission to the Executive Committee

If the issue cannot be resolved at the national level, or if the Country Representative is involved in the complaint, the matter will be escalated to the daCi Executive Committee. The complainant should email their written grievance and any supporting documents to the Secretary (or relevant daCi contact).

The Executive Committee will assign a neutral member to investigate and respond within 30 days.

Step 4: Final Review by the Chair of daCi

If the complainant is not satisfied with the Executive Committee's response, they may appeal to the Chair of daCi within 15 days of receiving the outcome.

The Chair will:

• Review the full grievance file
• Consult with relevant parties
• Issue a final decision within 20 working days

This decision will be considered final and binding.

Record Keeping and Reporting

All grievance documentation will be securely stored by the Executive Committee, with access restricted to those directly involved. An anonymized summary of grievance types and resolutions may be included in daCi's annual report to promote transparency and learning.

Review and Updates

This grievance procedure will be reviewed every three years or after significant events, to ensure it remains aligned with daCi’s mission and values.

Approved by daCi Advisory Board, July 2025