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The Response Team comprises 5-10 members. Names of the members and their term dates are recorded on the Samvera wiki. Each Response Team member serves a two-year term.  At the end of the first year, the individual has the opportunity to confirm their willingness and availability to continue to serve their term on the Response Team. A member can serve up to 3 consecutive two-year terms. If any time, a Response team member needs to step back for a break, three-months notice are requested so there is sufficient time to find, and potentially train, a replacement member.

In the event of a reported violation, a member of the Response Team assumes the role of Incident Responder. The first responsibility of the Incident Responder is to take the incident report and confirm the safety of the people. Based on the report details, an Incident Team may be formed from a subset of the Response Team, and an Incident Lead is named. The size of the Incident Team should be as small as needed, and the names of the members should not be intentionally publicized or hidden; they should be shared only as is helpful or on a need-to-know basis. The Incident Responder may continue to serve as the single point of contact for the reporter, or may turn over this responsibility to another designated member of the Incident Team if appropriate or necessary. 

Collectively, the Incident Team shares the responsibility to:

  • Protect the reporter’s privacy

  • Discuss the incident 

  • Determine if a violation has occurred

  • Make decisions as the investigation unfolds

  • Follow up with the reported person

  • If necessary, suggest a behavioral modification plan

  • Articulate the consequences of not adhering to the modification plan

  • Respond to the impacted person

  • Throughout the process, communicate updates as necessary to: reporter, accused, event attendees/community, witnesses

  • Document the incident

When the incident is considered handled, the Response Team hands off any related documentation to the Samvera Board, who is responsible for maintaining it as part of the organization’s records.

Sections of the Incident Response Manual (PDF) related to the Response Team are:

  • "Preparing Response Team Members For Incident Handling"

  • "Onboarding Response Team Members"

  • "Assemble Incident Team" (step 6 on the checklist)

Responsibilities of the Code of Conduct Response Team

Samvera’s Code of Conduct Response Team holds primary responsibility for responding to violations of our Code of Conduct and/or Anti-Harassment Policy.  The Code of Conduct Response Team (“Response Team,” for short) is a separate body from Samvera’s Helpers, though membership may overlap (individuals may serve in both capacities, but do not have to do so). 

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See the Samvera Code of Conduct Incident Response PlanManual for full details of the vetting process.

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