No part of this writing is intended to offer legal or policy advice. Any policies at work should be reviewed by qualified legal partners and approved by the executive team.
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As a business, we are invested in a more equitable and sustainable world for all. [COMPANY] values the push for positive change and hopes to support employees when doing so.
History tells us that protest is one of the most effective ways to bring change, and [COMPANY] recognizes that employees may feel called to exercise their rights and have their voices heard. This document is intended to provide information on responsible demonstration, ways for our team to stay safe, and guidance on employee expectations when protesting externally.
We encourage our team to exercise their right to assemble, and request the following when engaging in public demonstrations:
Non-Violent Assembly Should an event turn violent, we expect employees to take themselves and other to safety and not engage in violence.
Taking Time Away from Work Inform your manager and team if you’ll be taking any time away from work. For paid time off guidelines, check out our PTO Philosophy.
Company Branded Clothing and Gear Unless otherwise approved, we ask that individuals refrain from wearing company branded clothing or gear when attending a demonstration.
Legal Support and Resources [COMPANY] will provide up to $5,000 in bail or legal aid for employees who face consequences when engaging in their right to peaceful assembly, provided an individual was not advocating for the harm or disenfranchisement of others. *** 💡** Highlight legal resources provided by your Employee Assistance Program*
Most protests remain peaceful and without incident, but in the spirit of remaining proactive employees should look for ways to protect themselves and stay safe. [COMPANY] offers the following tips and encourages folks to individually develop a safety plan.
Don’t Go Solo Going in a group or using the buddy system helps us keep one another safe. If you decided to attend alone, ensure friends or family members are actively informed.
Dress Appropriately Consider the weather before, during and after the event. In addition to temperatures, check things like UV Index and wind to be best equipped.
Pack a Bag Consider bringing supplies like water and energy rich snacks to keep you nourished throughout the day. Bring any medications or other supplies you might need.
Check Your Device A phone is helpful in case of emergencies and to stay in contact with loved ones. Consider turning it off, or keeping it on airplane mode and disabling biometrics.
Know Your Rights Check out this Know Your Rights guide from the National Lawyers Guild.
To quell hesitations about how engaging in activism may impact your work, [COMPANY] commits to the following, provided your protest activities were not intended to cause harm, discrimination, or disenfranchisement to any individual or group:
Employment Security If you are arrested during a peaceful, non-violent protest, this will not impact your employment status at [COMPANY]. Should you later be tried and convicted of crimes, the company may re-evaluate your status at sole discretion of the company directors.
Paid Leave Employees are welcome to use paid time off when protesting and can review out Paid Time Away Philosophy here. 💡 Tip: Link your PTO Doc
Legal Resource In addition to legal services offered via our Employee Assistance Program, company will provide up to $5,000 in bail or legal aid for employees who face consequences when engaging in their right to peaceful assembly.
If you’re creating your own Activism Philosophy, perhaps you can take inspiration from these additional resources:
Littler Mendelson: Social and Political Issues in the Workplace
NILC - Participating in Protests: What Every Worker Should Know
Wholegrain Digital - Activism Policy
National Lawyers Guild - Know Your Risks
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