Our Commitment to Equity

Our Commitment

At Common Grain Alliance, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative grain economy that embraces the diversity of our community in all its forms. We commit to actively engage with and support individuals from diverse racial backgrounds, the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, neurodivergent thinkers, and those with varied linguistic needs, ensuring that everyone feels welcomed and valued. We are committed to reflecting these values in our policies, practices, and the broader dialogue on food justice, making deliberate efforts to include marginalized voices and address systemic inequities. Our approach is holistic, encompassing economic, environmental, and social justice, striving to create a more inclusive and accessible future for all..

Grievance Procedure

It is the policy of Common Grain Alliance not to discriminate on the basis of disability. Common Grain Alliance  has adopted an internal grievance procedure providing for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794).  Section 504 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. The Law and Regulations may be examined in the office of Madelyn Smith, Executive Director, (202) - 664 - 0778, who has been designated to coordinate the efforts of Common Grain Alliance to comply with Section 504.

Any person who believes she or he has been subjected to discrimination on the basis of disability may file a grievance under this procedure. It is against the law for Common Grain Alliance to retaliate against anyone who files a grievance or cooperates in the investigation of a grievance.

Procedure:

  • Grievances must be submitted to the Section 504 Coordinator within 30 days of the date the person filing the grievance becomes aware of the alleged discriminatory action.

  • A complaint must be in writing, containing the name and address of the person filing it. The complaint must state the problem or action alleged to be discriminatory and the remedy or relief sought. Grievances can be emailed to madelyn@commongrainalliance.org.

  • The Section 504 Coordinator (or her/his designee) shall conduct an investigation of the complaint. This investigation may be informal, but it must be thorough, affording all interested persons an opportunity to submit evidence relevant to the complaint. The Section 504 Coordinator will maintain the files and records of Common Grain Alliance relating to such grievances.

  • The Section 504 Coordinator will issue a written decision on the grievance no later than 30 days after its filing.

  • The person filing the grievance may appeal the decision of the Section 504 Coordinator by writing to the Board of Directors within 15 days of receiving the Section 504 Coordinator’s decision. The Board of Directors  shall issue a written decision in response to the appeal no later than 30 days after its filing.

  • The availability and use of this grievance procedure does not prevent a person from filing a complaint of discrimination on the basis of disability with the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights.

Common Grain Alliance will make appropriate arrangements to ensure that disabled persons are provided other accommodations, if needed, to participate in this grievance process. Such arrangements may include, but are not limited to, providing interpreters for the deaf, providing taped cassettes of material for the blind, or assuring a barrier-free location for the proceedings. The Section 504 Coordinator will be responsible for such arrangements.