Background and History

OCAT values and respects the diversity of experiences and insight that each member brings to the coalition. That same respect is expected from each OCAT member. Every member, as a condition of membership, agrees to the following:

General Expectations

• • All members are expected to follow through on tasks and actively participate in any meetings, projects and/or events chosen. We all share a collective responsibility for the work of the coalition.
  • We all have professional responsibilities outside of OCAT. Some of us may work with each other as part of the coalition, some may work together on projects outside of OCAT, and some may do a mix of both. In all our work, we strive to be collaborative and communicative. Members are expected to uphold professional standards, including respect for the work that others do as part of OCAT, and outside of the coalition.
  • When representing OCAT in any formal capacity, members are expected to use official OCAT trainings, tools, and resources.

Confidentiality

• • All information gathered about individuals during OCAT activities is strictly confidential. Any disclosure must be based on informed consent and relevant state laws. This includes but is not limited to membership applications, victim service fund requests, law enforcement operations, and case management.
  • Member organizations of OCAT are encouraged to share the resources and work of the coalition, and of member organizations. Please do not share any identifying information about individual members of the coalition. This includes, but is not limited to: individual member names or pseudonyms, personal contact information, lived experience, statements and pictures.
  • Any grievances filed through official OCAT channels will remain confidential.

Conflict resolution

• • Members of the coalition represent a wide range of views, identities, and experiences. There will be times when our opinions will align, and times when difference of opinion is voiced. We encourage dialogue over debate, meaning that members are free to express their own thoughts and ideas about a topic, without using these thoughts and ideas to invalidate another person, organization, or the work of OCAT.
  • Gossip can undermine the work of the coalition and harm the work that we collectively do. Members should not engage in conversations that undermine the work of individuals or organizations or engage in personal attacks against individuals in the coalition.
  • OCAT maintains a grievance mechanism for any complaints about harm that members have directly experienced. More information about how to file a grievance can be found in OCAT’s grievance policy.

Public identification and representation of OCAT’s work

• • Materials labeled as ‘please share out widely’ can be forwarded or otherwise shared with external contacts.
  • OCAT members are required to keep official OCAT distribution lists, personal contact information, meeting minutes, and draft documents confidential. Please do not share these with non-members.
  • Public identification as an OCAT member is encouraged. When speaking publicly, members should not represent their own beliefs, projects, or opinions on behalf of OCAT.
  • OCAT works to ensure that any external communications, including with the media, clearly represent the mission and vision of the coalition. The chair, co-chair, OCAT coordinator, Family Safety Center and law enforcement ECM partner are the only members of OCAT tasked to speak publicly with the media on behalf of the coalition. If necessary, additional OCAT members may be given explicit written permission to provide official external communications.
  • Members are encouraged to share information from OCAT’s official social media channels with their networks. We ask that members refrain from representing OCAT in any official capacity on their personal social media accounts. If you would like us to post a resource, training, or event on behalf of yourself or an organization, please reach out to the Family Safety Center.

Expectations for OCAT Meetings

• • In all OCAT meetings, we want to honor everyone’s time. Meetings will start and end on time. Members are asked to send notice at least 24 hours in advance if they will miss a meeting, join late, or need to leave early.

Structure of OCAT meetings

• • The grant management team (chair, co-chair, law enforcement officer and coordinator) meets weekly for 2 hours
  • Advisory committee meets monthly for 1.5 hours
  • Workgroups of OCAT meet monthly and are run by a chair and co-chair of the advisory committee for 1 hour
  • The entire coalition of OCAT meets quarterly for 2 hours
  • Agendas will be sent out by the day of OCAT meetings, prior to the commencement of the meeting. Meeting reminders will be sent out to attendees of each meeting.

Requests for accessibility accommodations can be made in writing to the OCAT Director. All requests for accessibility accommodations will be kept confidential and will be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). You will not be required to disclose the nature of your disability in order to request accommodations.