It is the mission of the Tennessee Emergency Number Association (TENA) to promote a safe area where all members are able to communicate in an environment free of bullying behavior.

The Tennessee Emergency Number Association (TENA) considers bullying unacceptable and will not tolerate it under any circumstances. This policy shall apply to all board members and employees, regardless of his or her position. Any board member or employee found in violation of this policy will face disciplinary action as determined by the Board which could include removal from the Board based on the severity of the violation.

The Tennessee Emergency Number Association (TENA) defines bullying as persistent, malicious, unwelcome, severe and pervasive mistreatment that harms, intimidates, offends, degrades or humiliates any member, whether verbal, physical or otherwise.

The Tennessee Emergency Number Association (TENA) considers the following types of behavior to constitute bullying. Please note, this list is not meant to be exhaustive and is only offered by way of example:

• Personal attacks (angry outbursts, excessive profanity, or name-calling);
• Encouragement of others to turn against the targeted member;
• Repeated infliction of verbal abuse, such as the use of derogatory remarks, insults and epithets;
• Unsolicited dialogue with an ECD representative circumventing the Director which could be considered harmful to the ECD or Director.
• Conduct that a reasonable person would find hostile and offensive.

The availability of this complaint procedure does not preclude members who believe they are being subjected to bullying conduct from promptly advising the offender that his or her behavior is unwelcome and requesting that such behavior immediately stop.

Early reporting and intervention have proven to be the most effective method of resolving actual or perceived incidents of bullying. Therefore, while no fixed reporting period has been established, the Tennessee Emergency Number Association (TENA) strongly urges the prompt reporting of complaints or concerns so that rapid and constructive action can be taken. The Tennessee Emergency Number Association (TENA) will make every effort to stop alleged bullying, but can only do so with the cooperation of its members.

Members who believe they have experienced conduct that they believe violates this policy, or who have concerns about such matters, should report their complaints in writing to the President of the Tennessee Emergency Number Association (TENA), TENA Legal Counsel and TENA Executive Director. The TENA Executive Director shall forward the written complaint to the full TENA Board upon receipt. The TENA Board shall convene a closed meeting to discuss the complaint and determine a plan of action for an expeditious resolution.