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Non Discrimination Policy

 

01. Introduction

Village Hope International is committed to advancing the rights and well-being of vulnerable children and their families through access to formal education, modern healthcare services, and essential support programs. Operating across the United States, including California, and in international settings, Village Hope International upholds the highest standards of equity, dignity, and inclusion in all aspects of its work.

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This Non-Discrimination Policy affirms our unwavering commitment to providing services, employment, volunteer opportunities, and program participation free from discrimination. In accordance with applicable laws and regulations—including Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), and international human rights frameworks.

Village Hope International prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, or any other status protected by law.

 

This policy applies to all organizational activities, including but not limited to child sponsorship, provision of clean drinking water, caregiver support, distribution of life-saving medicines, healthcare training, and nutritional assistance. Village Hope International is committed to fostering inclusive environments where every individual, regardless of background or identity is treated with respect, compassion, and fairness.

 

We recognize that nondiscrimination is not only a legal obligation but a moral imperative central to our mission. Through proactive safeguards, transparent practices, and continuous training, Village Hope International ensures that its programs and partnerships reflect the values of equity, justice, and global solidarity.

 

02. Scope and Applicability

This Non-Discrimination Policy applies to all aspects of Village Hope International’s operations, programs, employment practices, and stakeholder engagement. It governs the conduct of staff, volunteers, board members, contractors, and partners across all geographic locations where Village Hope International operates, including the United States (with specific adherence to California nonprofit regulations) and international program sites.

The policy is applicable to:

  • Program Delivery: All services provided, such as child sponsorship, access to clean drinking water, caregiver support, distribution of life-saving medicines, healthcare training, and nutritional assistance must be administered equitably and without bias.

  • Employment and Volunteer Engagement: Recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, and termination decisions must be free from unlawful discrimination. Volunteer selection and placement must reflect inclusive practices that honor diversity and equal opportunity.

  • Governance and Leadership: Board composition, leadership development, and decision-making processes must reflect Village Hope International’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

  • Partnerships and Collaborations: All third-party relationships, including funding partners, implementing agencies, and service providers, are expected to uphold and align with this policy.

  • Communications and Outreach: Public messaging, donor engagement, and community outreach must be inclusive, respectful, and representative of the diverse populations served.

 

Village Hope International recognizes that nondiscrimination is not only a legal requirement but a foundational principle of ethical humanitarian work. All individuals interacting with or benefiting from Village Hope International’s programs are entitled to fair treatment, dignity, and respect, regardless of background or identity.

 

03. Policy Enforcement and Accountability

Village Hope International maintains a zero-tolerance stance toward discrimination in any form. Enforcement of this Non-Discrimination Policy is integral to our organizational integrity, legal compliance, and mission-driven impact. All staff, volunteers, board members, contractors, and affiliated partners are expected to uphold the principles outlined herein and will be held accountable for violations.

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Organizational Responsibilities

  • Leadership Oversight: The Board of Directors and executive leadership are responsible for ensuring that nondiscrimination principles are embedded in governance, strategic planning, and operational execution.

  • Compliance Monitoring: Designated compliance officers or program managers will monitor adherence to this policy across all program sites, including domestic and international operations.

  • Training and Capacity Building: All personnel will receive regular training on nondiscrimination, inclusive practices, and legal obligations under U.S. law (including Title VII, ADA, and FEHA), California law, and relevant international standards.

 

Individual Responsibilities

  • Staff and Volunteers: All individuals engaged with Village Hope International must conduct themselves in a manner that reflects respect, fairness, and inclusivity. Discriminatory behavior, whether overt or implicit, will not be tolerated.

  • Reporting Obligations: Any individual who witnesses or experiences discrimination is encouraged to report the incident promptly through established grievance channels. Retaliation against whistleblowers is strictly prohibited.

 

Corrective Action

  • Investigation Protocols: Allegations of discrimination will be investigated promptly, thoroughly, and impartially. Investigations will be conducted in accordance with applicable laws and internal safeguarding procedures.

  • Remedial Measures: Confirmed violations may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to retraining, suspension, termination, or severance of partnership agreements.

  • Documentation and Transparency: All enforcement actions will be documented, and anonymized summaries may be shared with stakeholders to promote transparency and continuous improvement.

 

Village Hope International is committed to cultivating a culture of accountability, where nondiscrimination is not only a policy but a lived organizational value. We continuously review and strengthen our enforcement mechanisms to ensure that our programs remain safe, equitable, and inclusive for all.

 

04. Grievance and Reporting Procedures

Village Hope International is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and responsive environment for all individuals engaged in or impacted by its programs. We recognize that effective grievance mechanisms are essential to upholding our Non-Discrimination Policy and ensuring accountability across all levels of the organization.

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Reporting Channels

Individuals who believe they have experienced or witnessed discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in connection with Village Hope International’s operations are encouraged to report their concerns through any of the following confidential channels:

  • Designated Safeguarding Officer: Reports may be submitted directly to the appointed safeguarding or compliance officer via secure email or in-person meeting.

  • Anonymous Reporting Mechanism: Village Hope International maintains an anonymous reporting tool accessible via its website or designated hotline.

  • Supervisor or Program Manager: Concerns may be raised with any supervisor or program lead, who is obligated to escalate the matter appropriately.

 

All reports will be treated with sensitivity and confidentiality, in accordance with applicable privacy laws and organizational safeguarding protocols.

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Investigation Process

Upon receipt of a grievance, Village Hope International will initiate a prompt, impartial, and thorough investigation. The process will include:

  • Acknowledgment of the report within five (5) business days.

  • Fact-finding interviews with relevant parties.

  • Documentation of findings and recommended actions.

  • Resolution within a reasonable timeframe, typically not exceeding thirty (30) calendar days.

Where necessary, interim protective measures may be implemented to safeguard affected individuals during the investigation.

 

Protection Against Retaliation

Village Hope International strictly prohibits retaliation against any individual who submits a grievance in good faith or participates in an investigation. Retaliatory conduct will be treated as a serious violation of this policy and may result in disciplinary action.

 

Appeals and Escalation

If a complainant is dissatisfied with the outcome of an investigation, they may submit a written appeal to the Executive Director or Board Chair within ten (10) business days of receiving the decision. Appeals will be reviewed independently, and a final determination will be issued within fifteen (15) business days.

 

International Considerations

In international program settings, Village Hope International will adapt its grievance procedures to align with local legal frameworks and cultural contexts, while maintaining core principles of fairness, transparency, and protection.

 

05. Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

Village Hope International recognizes that maintaining an effective Non-Discrimination Policy requires ongoing evaluation, adaptation, and commitment to continuous improvement. As legal frameworks, social contexts, and organizational operations evolve, so too must our safeguards and practices.

 

Scheduled Reviews

This policy will be formally reviewed at least once every two years by the Board of Directors or a designated compliance committee. Reviews will assess:

  • Alignment with current U.S. federal laws (e.g., Title VII, ADA), California nonprofit regulations (e.g., FEHA), and international human rights standards.

  • Effectiveness of enforcement mechanisms and grievance procedures.

  • Feedback from program participants, staff, volunteers, and partners.

  • Integration of nondiscrimination principles into program design and delivery

 

Responsive Updates

Interim updates may be made as needed to reflect:

  • Changes in applicable laws or regulatory guidance.

  • Emerging risks or incidents requiring policy clarification.

  • Recommendations from safeguarding audits, legal counsel, or external evaluations.

All updates will be documented, approved by the Board, and communicated promptly to relevant stakeholders.

 

Stakeholder Engagement

Village Hope International values the input of those we serve and those who serve with us. We will:

  • Encourage feedback from beneficiaries, caregivers, staff, and volunteers on how nondiscrimination is practiced and perceived.

  • Incorporate inclusive, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive perspectives into policy refinement.

  • Share anonymized learnings and improvements with donors, partners, and the public to promote transparency and trust.

 

Commitment to Learning

We are committed to cultivating an organizational culture that embraces learning, equity, and ethical excellence. Through regular training, policy benchmarking, and collaboration with peer organizations, Village Hope International strives to remain a leader in nondiscrimination and inclusive humanitarian practice.

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