Policies

The Northeast Kingdom Rainbow Coalition is led by an all-volunteer Board of Directors. As such, we have policies in place to simplify our decision-making process and ensure that we stay in line with what is legally required of us as a 501(c)(3) organization. This page exists to provide clarity and transparency.

NEKRC General Policies

Our mission is to support queer equity, liberation, and joy in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.

We do not endorse positions or policies unrelated to that mission.

While there are some issues that affect queer people that also have a broader context, our Board will make decisions about grey areas based on the relevance to, and capacity of, our organization, as well as the safety of everyone involved.

We do not endorse candidates for political office.

NEKRC Event Policies

All NEKRC events are safe spaces for all queer people and allies.

We will make every effort to hold our events in ADA accessible spaces. Many buildings in Vermont are older and have not been required to make accessibility updates, but we will consider wheelchair access and other accommodations when booking venues.

Some NEKRC events outside of PrideFest may take place in venues that serve age-restricted products, but we choose to make the majority of events all-ages and sober-friendly for our younger participants and those in recovery.

NEKRC may choose to promote events held by other organizations. Those events are not bound by these policies, but the Board will focus on promoting events with similar guidelines.

Northeast Kingdom PrideFest Policies

NEK PrideFest is a family-friendly event. We do not host vendors who primarily sell legally age-restricted products or products related to tobacco, cannabis, alcohol, or weapons. This is to ensure a safe event for our younger members, who deserve to attend Pride like anyone else.

We also do not host political content that is unrelated, or in direct opposition, to queer rights. We do allow currently-serving local politicians to take part in the event, at our discretion, as representatives of local government.

We do not accept sponsorship from law enforcement agencies, or corporations based outside of Vermont. This is to honor the tradition of Stonewall and to express our belief that these entities still have a lot of work to do if they want to support queer equality. We do work with local law enforcement to the extent the city requires in order for us to have our parade.