1. INDIANA TEFAP CIVIL RIGHTS TRAINING
2016
Welcome, thank you to audience and host, and introductions of presenters.
Courtesy instructions: location of restrooms, cell phone usage
Ask audience to introduce self to neighbors and say what organization they represent.

2. WHAT ARE CIVIL RIGHTS?
The nonpolitical rights of a citizen; especially ; the rights of personal liberty guaranteed to United States citizens by the 13th and 14th amendments to the Constitution and by acts of Congress
Ask audience “What are civil rights?” before showing definition. Then ask, “Do you know what your civil rights are?”
Examples include:
freedom of speech,
the right to vote, 
due process of law, 
equal protection of the laws, and 
protection from unlawful discrimination.  
This definition is in the 113 USDA Handbook. It applies to non-citizens as well.

3. WHAT DOES THIS POSTER MEAN?
Race
Color
National origin
Gender
Religion
Age
Disability
Political beliefs
Sexual orientation
Marital & family status
Most of you are familiar with this poster and know that the US Department of Agriculture requires that each participant in the TEFAP program post this sign within their service site for clientele to see.
But what does the poster say?
Most often, when we think of discrimination, we focus in on race and color. However, this notification puts emphasis on PROHIBITING in ALL of its programs/ activities discrimination by each of these things. It also lists the means by which participants in your programs can contact USDA to file a complaint. This poster keeps us accountable to those we serve and to those we acquire our resources from.
Note: Race is Caucasian, African, Asian, etc. Color is skin tone- within a race there can be different skin tones.

4. IMPORTANT WORDS TO KNOW
STEREOTYPES
Generalizations about traits or behaviors.
DISCRIMINATION
Noticing the differences between things / people and making decisions based on those differences.
DISPARATE TREATMENT
Inconsistent application of rules to one group of people over another.
STIGMA
A discrediting social label that radically changes the way we view ourselves and others.
PROTECTED CLASSES
Members who are specified as entitled to equal rights.
Reveal and explain each definition with examples:
Stereotype: Ex: “The poor are lazy.” “Women are supposed to raise the children.”
Discrimination: We discriminate when we buy one product over another, choose our friends and make personnel decisions. All these forms are legal and necessary. However, some are illegal. Illegal discrimination is unfavorable treatment of a person by category, class, group rather than objective treatment on basis of merit.
Disparate Treatment: Discrimination can result when rules and policies are applied differently to different people. INCONSISTENCY ALWAYS LEADS TO COMPLAINTS. Ex: Giving a single woman more food than a single male.
Stigma: People who are stigmatized are usually considered shameful and are shunned, discredited, rejected or penalized. Ex: obesity, mental illness, criminal background.
Protected Classes: Those defined by race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

5. What you can do
To ensure equality for your pantry or kitchen…

6. PART 1: EQUAL ACCESS TO PROGRAMS
As an administrator of one or more programs, YOU are responsible for ensuring everyone has equal access. You may not discriminate in program participation on:
Race
Color
National origin
Sex
Age
Disability
Religion

7. PART 2: PUBLIC NOTIFICATION
Civil Rights Statement: TEFAP is an equal opportunity provider- on all pamphlets, sign in sheets, intake forms and certificates of eligibility in English and Spanish.
Convey the message of equal opportunity in all photos and other graphics.
Reach out to un-served or underserved populations
Justice for All Poster: Displayed in a prominent location.
Inform potentially eligible persons of programs or changes in programs.
Provide appropriate information in alternative formats for persons with disabilities.

8. PART 3: COMMUNICATION
What do you do if you are serving someone with limited literacy?
TEFAP staff are required to read the “And Justice for All” poster and complaint notice for all those who are unable to read.
Flexibility and outreach is key. Children should not be used as interpreters. Volunteers may be used but make sure they understand interpreter ethic- particularly confidentiality.

9. PART 3: COMMUNICATION
For Braille, large print, audiotape communications, contact USDA’s TARGET center at
In Indiana, for hearing impaired services, call 711 or or
Language Assistance:

10. PART 4: HANDLING A COMPLAINT
If an applicant believes they have been discriminated against on one of the protected classes, he/she has 180 days to file a complaint. On basis of religion: Indiana Civil Rights Commission Indiana Government Center N North Senate Ave Indianapolis, IN All other cases: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC

11. PART 4: HANDLING A COMPLAINT
TEFAP representatives are required to advise individuals of where to file a complaint and cannot discourage or impede the applicant's right to file regardless of personal perception.

12. PART 4: HANDLING A COMPLAINT
As a TEFAP representative, you must assist an applicant with a complaint by:
Make applicant aware of confidentiality in making complaint
Complete a Complaint Form
Mail complaint to USDA office
Mail copies of the complaint to the state TEFAP office, USDA Civil Rights Director and Regional Civil Rights Director
Keep a copy at your office
Document the complaint in your office’s log
Complaints can never be ignored

13. PART 5: TRAINING
All staff and volunteers of the food pantry must be trained by program coordinator annually – Contact Dare to Care for PowerPoint slides.
Program coordinator must attend annual Civil Rights training provided by Dare to Care.
Training efforts must be documented!

14. Thank you
For your attention and partnership…