Code of Conduct & Anti-Discrimination Policy
Effective Date: July 2026
Purpose
To promote a safe, respectful, and collaborative environment for everyone who volunteers or serves on the Board of Directors at Saturday Morning Breakfast. This Code of Conduct outlines the standards of behavior, ethics, and responsibility expected of all volunteers, regardless of role, and incorporates our full Anti-Discrimination Policy.
Scope
This Code applies to all individuals who volunteer in any capacity with Saturday Morning Breakfast, including but not limited to kitchen, back-of-house, and front-of-house volunteers, event helpers, administrative support, and Board of Directors members. It applies in all settings and activities related to Saturday Morning Breakfast, including in-person, online, and at affiliated events.
Core Principles
1. Respect and Inclusivity
We recognize and affirm the dignity and rights of every individual. Discrimination, harassment, or bullying of any kind based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, socioeconomic status, or any other protected characteristic is strictly prohibited.
-Treat all individuals—guests, fellow volunteers, staff, and Board members—with kindness, respect, and dignity.
-Embrace diversity and inclusivity, recognizing and honoring different backgrounds, identities, and perspectives.
-Harassment, discrimination, bullying, or any form of disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated.
Respecting Gender Identity and Expression
Every individual has the right to self-identify their gender and to be addressed by the name and pronouns they specify. Volunteers, staff, and Board members are expected to use correct names and pronouns without exception or assumption.
Avoid derogatory or exclusionary language related to gender, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.
If a mistake is made in using someone’s name or pronouns, promptly correct yourself and continue respectfully without drawing undue attention.
Repeated or intentional misgendering, after a person has been corrected, is a violation of this policy and will be addressed as outlined under Enforcement.
Physical Contact Policy
All physical contact between volunteers, staff, Board members, and any individuals in our programs must be consensual. This applies regardless of intent, familiarity, or length of time volunteering with us.
“Touching” includes, but is not limited to:
-Touching another person’s shoulder, back, arm, or hand
-Pats, squeezes, or taps of any kind
-Hugs, unless both parties have clearly and mutually agreed to a hug in that moment
-Placing a hand on someone’s chair, shoulder, or body while speaking to them
-Any other physical contact not explicitly welcomed by the recipient
Consent must be given for each instance of contact; a person’s past acceptance of contact does not imply ongoing consent. If a volunteer or staff member asks another person to stop touching them, that request must be honored immediately and without argument, explanation, or repetition of the behavior. This policy is not limited to contact of a sexual nature—any non-consensual physical contact, regardless of how minor or well-intentioned, violates this policy.
Volunteers who are uncertain whether a form of contact is appropriate should default to no physical contact and use verbal communication instead.
2. Integrity and Accountability
-Act honestly, ethically, and transparently in all volunteer activities.
-Respect confidentiality, especially regarding sensitive information about guests, volunteers, or organizational matters.
-Take responsibility for your actions and commitments, including punctuality, attendance, and task completion.
3. Safety and Health
-Follow all safety policies and procedures relevant to your role, including hygiene, food safety, and incident reporting.
-Prioritize personal health and wellness—do not volunteer when ill or unable to perform safely.
-Report unsafe conditions, accidents, or concerns promptly to the appropriate leader or coordinator.
4. Professionalism and Teamwork
-Communicate respectfully and constructively with team members and leadership.
-Support a collaborative and positive environment that fosters teamwork and mutual support.
-Follow the direction of designated leaders in your area (e.g., Head Chef, FOH Lead, BOH Lead, Board Chair).
5. Conflict of Interest
-Disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may affect your volunteer role or decisions.
-Avoid using your volunteer position for personal gain or outside influence.
Specific Expectations
For All Volunteers:
-Represent Saturday Morning Breakfast positively in the community.
-Respect boundaries regarding personal information and privacy of guests and fellow volunteers.
-Maintain sobriety and avoid substance use while volunteering.
For Board of Directors Members:
-Attend meetings regularly and participate actively.
-Make decisions based on the best interests of the organization and its mission.
-Maintain fiduciary responsibility and transparency.
-Uphold confidentiality regarding organizational and personnel matters.
Responsibilities
-All members of the SMB community share responsibility for upholding this policy and fostering an environment free from discrimination.
-Anyone who witnesses discrimination or harassment should intervene if safe or report the incident to program leadership immediately.
-Those found to be in violation may face disciplinary actions, including removal from volunteer roles or Board membership.
Reporting and Resolution
-Reports of discrimination, harassment, bullying, or non-consensual physical contact should be made promptly to the Executive Director, Board Chair, or designated contact.
-All reports will be taken seriously, investigated promptly, and treated confidentially to the extent possible.
-Retaliation against reporters or participants in investigations is strictly prohibited.
Enforcement
Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in corrective actions based on the severity and circumstances of the infraction, including but not limited to:
-Verbal warnings
-Written warnings
-Temporary suspension from volunteer duties or Board participation
-Permanent removal or dismissal
-Immediate dismissal may occur for serious violations such as harassment, discrimination, non-consensual physical contact, theft, violence, or actions that compromise the safety or integrity of the organization. The organization reserves the right to address issues on a case-by-case basis with fairness and discretion.
Commitment
Saturday Morning Breakfast is dedicated to ongoing education and improvement in diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage open dialogue and welcome feedback to help maintain a respectful and supportive community.