Code of Conduct

Welcome to Alghochak (الغوچک). As a volunteer-led community interest organisation based in Belfast, we are dedicated to creating a warm, welcoming, and safe environment for everyone participating in our programs, events, and online spaces.

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Our mission is to act as a supportive stepping stone and a cultural bridge for the Afghan community in Northern Ireland. To ensure our community remains inclusive and respectful, we expect all committee members, volunteers, participants, and guests to uphold this Code of Conduct.

We value the diversity of our community. We treat every individual with dignity and respect, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, ability, or background. Discrimination, harassment, or exclusionary behavior of any kind will not be tolerated.

The safety of our community is our highest priority.

•     Protection: We are committed to maintaining a safe space across all activities, whether in youth outdoor programs, women's workshops, or family gatherings.

•     Zero Tolerance: Bullying, intimidation, physical or verbal violence, and abusive language are strictly prohibited.

We are a space dedicated to celebrating and preserving Afghan heritage, culture, and creative expression. We ask everyone to engage with our cultural programs, music, and traditions with an open mind and mutual respect.

As an organization working toward full registration with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland (CCNI), transparency and good governance are vital to us. We expect our volunteers and committee members to act honestly, responsibly, and in the best interest of the community we serve.

• Be Welcoming: Help us maintain an open, positive atmosphere where new families, individuals, and local partners feel at home.
   

• Communicate with Kindness: Use charity-sector appropriate, supportive language. Listen to others and respect differing viewpoints.
   

• Follow Program Guidelines: Adhere to instructions provided by group leaders, instructors, and coordinators during specific outings (e.g., hiking trips or swimming sessions) to ensure collective safety.
   

• Respect Privacy: Do not share personal information, photos, or stories of community members without their explicit permission.

• Harassment, offensive comments, or microaggressions.
   

• Disruptive behavior that interferes with the enjoyment or safety of an event.
   

• Any form of domestic, physical, or emotional abuse awareness violations. Alghochak actively supports awareness and protection against domestic abuse within our family programs.

If you witness or experience behavior that violates this Code of Conduct, please bring it to our attention immediately.
 

• How to Report: You can speak directly to a committee member at any event, or contact our Chair, Fatima Sarwari, via our website's Get In Touch page.
   

• Our Response: All reports will be handled confidentially, seriously, and promptly.
   

The Alghochak committee reserves the right to take appropriate action to protect the safety of our space, which may include asking an individual to leave an event or suspending their membership.
 

"Together, we make our voices stronger." Thank you for helping us keep Alghochak a safe, welcoming, and vibrant sanctuary for all.