National Bleeding Disorders Foundation's Events Behavior Guidelines (2023)

The National Bleeding Disorders Foundation’s educational and fundraising events provide an important avenue for the exchange of information and resources intended to help improve the quality of life and quality of care for all members of the bleeding disorders community. All individuals and groups attending the Foundation's sponsored events, including national chapter events, should be assured the opportunity for (1) unencumbered access to information and resources, and (2) a secure or non-threatening environment within which they can share information, interests, and ideas. Under no circumstance will the Foundation or its chapters allow the participation of individual members of the bleeding disorders community, or others in attendance, to be compromised by potentially threatening language or potentially threatening actions or activities.

It is the policy of the Foundation that all participants, including attendees, exhibitors, vendors, staff, chapters, volunteers, and all other stakeholders at Foundation meetings, events, and conferences both in-person and virtually will conduct themselves in a professional manner that is welcoming to all participants and free from any form of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.

Participants will treat each other with respect and consideration to create a collegial, respectful, inclusive, and professional environment at Foundation conferences both in-person and virtually. Creating a supportive environment to enable scientific discourse at Foundation meetings is the responsibility of all participants.

To that end, we believe setting forth a clear set of behavioral expectations promotes an atmosphere of dignity and respect for all.

The Foundation appreciates and values individual differences and welcomes diversity in its broadest definition. Many different opinions and experiences may be shared during educational events that may touch you personally and often emotionally. While we strongly encourage passion as you share your stories, we offer some tips to keep it professional:

  • Attack the problem, not the person. There will be differences of opinion. You may not agree with everything that is discussed. Please be open to hearing other people’s perspectives. If you don’t agree, respectfully challenge the idea – not the person. Blame and judgement gets us further from the solution, not closer. Honest and constructive discussions are needed to obtain the best results.
  • Be assertive, not aggressive in presenting your points.
  • Share both positive and negative experiences with others.
  • Problem-solve instead of placing blame.
  • Humor is great, but not at the expense of others.
  • Replace words that hurt with words that encourage, engage and enrich others.
  • A positive attitude is contagious–your colleagues will respect your kindness.

We would also like to summarize some key points of the Foundation's Policy on No Harassment. We expect all conference attendees, consumers, volunteers, exhibitors, industry professionals, and guests to comply with the principles of this policy as well as all Foundation employees. The Foundation's policy covers conduct in the workplace as well as at social and business functions sponsored by the Foundation.

  • The Foundation is committed to providing a work environment free of harassment.
  • The Foundation is committed to a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.
  • The Foundation expects that all relationships among employees will be businesslike and free of bias, prejudice and harassment.
  • The Foundation will not tolerate any form of illegal discrimination or harassment on the basis of a person’s race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), or any other basis protected by law.
  • Illegal harassment includes offensive, aggressive, antagonistic and/or contentious behavior based on a protected legal status. Specifically, those behaviors include, but are not limited to abusive verbal comments or slurs, visual displays of offensive objects which disparage or disrespect a particular class of persons or any other verbal or physical conduct which creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.
  • The Foundation expressly prohibits sexual harassment in the workplace, which is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. This includes severe or pervasive conduct which would not have occurred but for the sex of the person and which unreasonably interferes with the individual’s work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment. Some common examples of conduct that is prohibited include:
    • Unwelcome sexual flirtations, touching, advances or propositions;
    • Graphic or suggestive comments about an individual’s dress or body;
    • Sexual jokes and innuendo; or asking questions regarding an individual’s sexual conduct, orientation, or preference.

The Foundation is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all meeting participants and staff. All participants including, but not limited to attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, staff, and service providers, are expected to abide by this Code of Conduct, and this code applies to all Foundation meeting related events including virtual meetings and those sponsored by organizations other than the Foundation but held in conjunction with Foundation events, either in public or private facilities. In addition, Foundation members must adhere to the Code of Ethics.

  • The Foundation will not tolerate any form of illegal discrimination or harassment on the basis of a person’s race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), or any other basis protected by law.
  • Illegal harassment includes offensive, aggressive, antagonistic and/or contentious behavior based on a protected legal status. Specifically, those behaviors include, but are not limited to abusive verbal comments or slurs, visual displays of offensive objects which disparage or disrespect a particular class of persons or any other verbal or physical conduct which creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.
  • The Foundation expressly prohibits sexual harassment in the workplace, which is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. This includes severe or pervasive conduct which would not have occurred but for the sex of the person and which unreasonably interferes with the individual’s work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment. Some common examples of conduct that is prohibited include:
    • Unwelcome sexual flirtations, touching, advances or propositions;
    • Graphic or suggestive comments about an individual’s dress or body;
    • Sexual jokes and innuendo; or asking questions regarding an individual’s sexual conduct, orientation or preference.

Complaint Resolution Procedure

Any instances of harassment, discrimination, not following Infectious Disease guidelines, or inappropriate behavior at the Foundation or Foundation Chapter sponsored event should be reported immediately to the following employees: 

Maria Santaella
Vice President of Research Strategy
msantaella@hemophilia.org
(347) 918-6608

Samantha Carlson, MSW, LMSW
Senior Manager of Research Programs and Partnerships
scarlson@hemophilia.org
(212) 238-3765

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior

Upon receiving a report of unacceptable behavior, the Foundation's priority will be the safety and security of participants. Sanctions for violating this Code of Conduct may range from verbal warning, being denied access to remainder of the meeting, event or conference, to notification of appropriate authorities. Retaliation for complaints of inappropriate conduct will not be tolerated.

All information regarding harassment complaints will be kept in confidence to the greatest extent practical and appropriate under the circumstances. The Foundation will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation to determine the facts. The Foundation will review its findings with the complainant at the conclusion of the investigation. No person who files a complaint in good faith or participates in the complaint resolution process will be subject to retaliation of any kind for that activity. The Foundation will take such actions or reasonable steps as necessary to put an end to the harassment.

Please help us to ensure that all participants enjoy an inclusive, safe and respectful event experience.