Rules
Why have ground-rules?
The aim was to make the youth group a safe, respectful and welcoming environment for all young people, workers and visitors who attend.
The ground-rules couldn't cover every eventuality, so basically it was important to respect the fact that this was a youth group and members were expected to behave appropriately! The ground rules complemented the Equal Opportunities Policy and other group statements.
The purpose of the youth group was to support young people to accept their sexual orientation, develop a positive identity and make new friends - often to replace those they have lost through homophobia.
It was important that new members were given the space to settle in and find a new network of friends before embarking on the task that all young people need to face - how to form meaningful and loving relationships. It was crucial that they were able to do this in their own time, when they were ready, without any pressure from another member of the group.
One of the youth groups most important rules was, therefore, that there was no 'pouncing' on new members. This rule was important because LGBT people are extremely vulnerable when they are just coming out. Most young people, when they first came to the group had never met another gay person before. GALYIC offered a safe space where young people could be themselves without fear of homophobia or pressure to do something they might later regret - they usually had enough pressure from family, friends and society to be someone they are not.
The ground rules:
Group membership
- Members must be LGBT or questioning their sexuality; members can, however, bring supportive straight people to enable them to attend the group initially (e.g. friend, worker, parent).
- Members must be aged 21 years and below.
- No violent or threatening behaviour.
- No intimidating or harassing other members of the group, members of staff or volunteers, either in person or via telephone, text or internet.
- Don't turn up under the influence of alcohol or drugs - NEVER use alcohol or drugs in youth group.
- Don't pounce on new people; this is a serious issue which can isolate new members and becomes very serious when there is a power imbalance.
- No predatory behaviour - respect 'No' and boundaries.
- It is illegal to have a sexual relationship with anyone under the age of 16 years.
- Under no circumstances can staff (including volunteers) have a sexual relationship with members.
- Respect confidentiality of members and confidentiality of venue.
- Don't steal from people, group, or buildings we use.
- Do not "out" anyone outside of group.
- Any other behaviour which breaks the law.
- No smoking in the building - smoke outside in designated areas, remember ground rules still apply when outside, and do not bring attention to the group.
- Do not do anything that could put the reputation of GALYIC at risk, for example, by posting videos that could compromise GALYIC onto You Tube.
- No explicit sexual actions - occasional kiss and hold hands but nothing more.
- Respect the building/host projects.
- Do not use offensive/abusive language.
- Do not invade other peoples' personal space.
- Respect one another including cultural backgrounds, religions, beliefs, gender identity and accept differences - people may be at different levels of outness.
- Keep to any additional ground-rules that apply to any projects / groups we visit.
- If there is an emergency that involves group members call the GALYIC mobile on 07765361590.
- Be welcoming and supportive of new members - group members should always act in a welcoming, friendly and supportive way to new members as we all remember how frightenining a first session can be.
- If you have a problem with another member speak to worker or volunteer about it.
- Mobile phones - if we are having a group discussion or a group activity it is expected that group members will put their mobile phone onto silent or turn it off so as not to interrupt the activity. Members are free to use their phones in informal group time.
- Everyone contribute to clearing up and washing up.
- Challenge each other constructively.
- Always try to use the gender pronouns and names people prefer.
- Other members can have opinions that are different from your own - can disagree with opinion but respect their right to have different opinions.
- Listen to what others have to say - do not talk over or interrupt.
- Do your best to join in - or opt out politely
If the offence is very serious you can be banned from the group and the drop-in for good and the police might also be called if what you have done is against the law.
If you break a serious rule, this will result in a verbal warning for the first time; however, repeated rule breaking can result in a ban.
Anyone who turns up with drugs or alcohol (or under the influence of) will be sent home.
Appeal Process
Anyone who does not agree with their ban can appeal against the decision by contacting the Service Manager. A meeting between you, the youth worker and the Service Manager will then take place to hear your grievance.
Should the appeal be against the Service Manager, you can contact the GALYIC Board member who attends the Youth Council meetings.A meeting between you, a member of the Board and the Service Manager will then take place to hear your grievance.
The final decision regarding the appeal will be made by the Service Manager in the first instance above, in the second it will be made by the Board.