Event Code of Conduct

Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles
Event Harassment, Discrimination, and Safety Policy

 

CAALA is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all its members, staff, and attendees at all CAALA-sponsored events. All participants at -sponsored events, including but not limited to CAALA members and staff, as well as attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, sponsors, and vendors must comply with this Policy. Members, staff, attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, sponsors, and vendors are responsible for notifying their guests, if any, that attend -sponsored events of the existence and content of this policy and all guests must comply with this policy. Sponsored events include events sponsored by companies and firms held in conjunction with CAALA events, in public or private facilities.

CAALA strictly prohibits all forms of discrimination or harassment on the basis of a protected class, including but not limited to race, color, religion, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, pregnancy, marital status, familial status, military status, or age. In response to any incident of unacceptable behavior, CAALA reserves the right to take any action deemed necessary and appropriate, including immediate removal from the CAALA-sponsored event without refund, prohibition of attendance at any future event, and suspension or termination of CAALA membership in accordance with the CAALA bylaws.

Examples of Unacceptable Behavior

  • Harassment, intimidation, threats, stalking, or discrimination.
  • Physical or verbal abuse.
  • Intimidating, hostile, or offensive verbal or written statements based on race, color, religion, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, pregnancy, marital status, familial status, military status, or age, that are offensive to a reasonable person in the complainant's position.
  • Inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images.
  • Unwanted touching, unwanted remarks of a sexual nature, and unwelcome comments about someone's body or personal appearance.

It is a violation of this policy to subject to any form of retaliation any individual who makes a good faith report of or participates in the investigation of harassment, discrimination, or other inappropriate conduct, even if that report is mistaken or inaccurate.

Anyone who experiences discrimination or harassment or observes that someone else is being discriminated against or harassed at a CAALA sponsored event is encouraged to report the alleged conduct immediately to the Executive Director or to any member of the Executive Committee (whose contact information can be found on the CAALA website at www.caala.org).

Confidentiality will be respected to the extent practicable so far as maintaining confidentiality is not inconsistent with investigating the report of harassment where necessary, in eliminating or remedying any unlawful harassment or other inappropriate behavior found to have occurred or preventing future harassment or discrimination.

Responsible Drinking
At CAALA-sponsored events, members, staff, attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, sponsors, vendors, and their guests, who choose to consume alcoholic beverages are expected to drink responsibly.

Personal Safety and Security
CAALA is committed to providing a safe and secure environment at its meetings and events by working with venue staff to make sure meeting participants are safe. We ask that all attendees report any questionable or concerning activity to CAALA or convention hotel or venue event staff.

  • Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Do not wear earbuds.
  • Use the buddy system when walking to and from event venues, including networking event locations during early or late hours.
  • Don’t wear your meeting badge on the street. Take it off as soon as you leave the building/venue.
  • Don’t leave personal property unattended anywhere, anytime