As an organization that values diversity and believes disagreement is inherent in any creative process, often one of the most fundamentally important things we can do to help further the mission we all believe in is to offer as much honest, direct communication - for the purpose of identifying solutions as well as problems - as possible.  Everything being open to interpretation, there is always a danger that 2nd and 3rd hand communication (or lack of communication) feeds problems rather than constructive solutions.   

Should a grievance arise, Facility Staff and Angel Paws AAA/T volunteers are encouraged to air their concern and make every effort to solve the problem or complaint swiftly and efficiently via open, honest, direct and respectful communication with Angel Paws program director.  Those with serious grievances, or grievances left unresolved through direct communication are encouraged to present the issue in writing in order to be resolved efficiently and effectively.  



The following steps exist so that Facility Staff, Angel Paws AAA/T volunteers and directors may address such grievances most effectively for the greatest benefit of all or most concerned within the boundaries of our stated Mission, Method & Core Values:
 
A.  If either facility staff or volunteers have a grievance with the Angel Paws Director, the volunteer or facility staff contact person is encouraged to present grievances directly to the Angel Paws Director verbally &/or in writing.  In the event that the grievance goes unresolved, the grievance should be presented in writing to the Angel Paws Board of Directors, who will consult with the Angel Paws Director.  The volunteer or facility staff member, Angel Paws Director, and the appropriate Angel Paws Board Member will attempt to come to a solution satisfactory to all or most concerned 

B.  If a facility staff member has a grievance with an Angel Paws Volunteer that could not be resolved via verbal communication, the grievance should be presented in writing first to the Facility Contact person designated to communicate with the Angel Paws Director who will make every effort to rectify the situation and consult with the appropriate volunteer when necessary.
 
C.  If a volunteer has a grievance with a facility staff person that could not be resolved via verbal communication, the grievance should be presented in writing to the Angel Paws Director, who will make every effort to rectify the situation and will consult with the appropriate facility staff when necessary.

D.  If a solution cannot be agreed upon, a Grievance Committee may be formed of the Angel Paws Director, volunteers, and facility staff if necessary.  The Grievance Committee will review the written grievance from Step A, B or C above along with the written statement of the other person involved in the grievance and his/her response to the first step.  The Grievance Committee will make every effort to meet with the persons involved before making a final decision on resolution of the problem however this may or may not be possible.