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Our Policies and Procedures

As a member of Project S.T.E.P., your success during the course of your engagement is important to us. Policies and Procedures are established to ensure the needs and expectations of community members are met with quality and efficiency.  

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Project S.T.E.P. is committed to fostering an environment that celebrates diversity, promotes equity, and ensures inclusion. We believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our organization and enhance our ability to fulfill our mission.

Anti-Discrimination

Our organization  has a zero-tolerance policy for racism, discrimination, harassment or any form of hate. Each community member has an active duty to ensure this organization is a safe space for all. Any reports of discrimination will be handled with a resolution to ensure safety and inclusivity for all. 

Americans with
Disability Act

The Americans with Disability Act of 1990 or ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. Our community recognizes this act and will prepare accommodations upon request with proper notice given. 

Conflict of Interest

The following are examples of conflicts of interest which must be promptly disclosed to the MEMBER Board of Directors by any MEMBER Representative with knowledge of such conflict of interest:

  1. Any real or apparent conflict of interest between a donor or the subject of an MEMBER publication or report and an MEMBER Representative;

  2. An MEMBER Representative’s ownership of an equity interest in a person or entity that is or will be the subject of an MEMBER publication or report; and

  3. Failure to disclose to MEMBER all relationships between the subject of any MEMBER publication or report and any MEMBER Representative or close relatives of the MEMBER Representative.

Youth & Family Development

We are dedicated to serving K-12 students from low-income families and EBT-eligible households by ensuring equitable access to our programs and services. We recognize the importance of addressing the unique challenges faced by these students and their families and are committed to providing the necessary support to help them succeed academically, socially, and personally.

 

Eligibility Criteria

  1. Income Verification:

    • Families must provide proof of income to demonstrate eligibility based on federal poverty guidelines or state-defined low-income thresholds.

  2. EBT Eligibility:

    • Families must provide documentation of EBT eligibility, such as a current EBT card or a letter of eligibility from the state SNAP office. 

Health & Safety

We believe it is important to provide a space for them to feel safe, confident and united. Although we encourage fun and meaningful bonds to form; we also expect the youth to transform within this program in a safe manner. 

Communication & Technology

All communications related to Project S.T.E.P. will be sent through email, mass texts, social media and any other helpful communication tools. We expect all participants, advisors, and parents/guardians to remain updated through the communication channels used. There may be new information needed or announced, so responses will be expected in a timely manner. 

 

We do understand that social media usage is influential and prominent in the times of today. Our organization aims to help our participants understand how their actions can impact their successes and the team success. We ask that one is cautious in how they present themselves on communication channels and understand the effect their behaviors could have on the organization. If the organization believes one’s acts do not align with our mission statement, then a Team Member Evaluation will  commence.

Covid-19 Guidelines

Our organization takes the COVID-19 virus seriously and will be following every CDC recommendation to ensure the safety of our community and team. 

 

Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, will be permitted to wear masks and social distance during any indoor activity (appropriate accommodations will be made during practice times). During outdoor activities, we will practice social distancing and wear masks as seen fit for our community’s safety. 

 

We do not require our community members to be vaccinated, but we do encourage everyone to consider the option as it may be beneficial to you while participating in  indoor activities. 

 

Anyone that disregards or violates these guidelines will be asked to leave our community space until they are willing to comply. One’s violation to guidelines can result in disciplinary action.

Risk Management

Our youth’s safety is top priority in this organization. We expect all participants, parents/guardians, volunteers and program staff to make a conscious effort in ensuring our community’s safety. 

 

All volunteers and program staff are considered mandatory reporters. Each volunteer ages 18 and up is required to complete a background check every two years to remain in compliance to interact with any youth participant.

Substance-Free Environment

Our organization does not tolerate any alcohol or drug usage in the community space. We expect all participants, advisors, and parents/guardians to meet this expectation.

 

If someone is suspected of violating this policy, our administrative team will follow-up with the appropriate disciplinary action. 

Whisteblower

OSHA’s Whistleblower Protection Program enforces the whistleblower provisions protecting employees or participants from retaliation for reporting violations of various program space  safety and health, airline, commercial motor carrier, consumer product, environmental, financial reform, food safety, health insurance reform, motor vehicle safety, nuclear, pipeline, public transportation agency, railroad, maritime, securities, tax, antitrust, and anti-money laundering laws and for engaging in other related protected activities. 

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