ADVOCATE & COMMUNITY RIGHTS

Effective Date: February 16, 2025

I. PURPOSE
Littleton Forward is committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality, and security of affiliated advocates, and all individuals who seek assistance, engage with our advocacy and outreach efforts. This policy outlines our commitment to safeguarding the identities of those we serve, as well as our advocates, to ensure they can participate in our programs without fear of harassment, retaliation, or exposure.

II. SCOPE
This policy applies to all individuals engaging with Littleton Forward, including, but not limited to, unhoused residents seeking support, individuals accessing our Connect Care Line for assistance, attendees of community workshops on tenant and citizen rights, participants in job fairs and employment skills seminars, and all advocates involved in the organization’s efforts.

III. COMMITMENT TO PRIVACY
Littleton Forward recognizes that individuals seeking advocacy services may be in vulnerable situations and have a right to privacy. To protect their rights, Littleton Forward:

• DOES NOT Publicly Disclose Personal Information: WE DO NOT publish, share, or distribute the names, addresses, or any other identifying details of individuals who seek assistance, or those advocates affiliated with Littleton Forward. Any public discussion, reports, or data shared by Littleton Forward will be fully anonymized, ensuring no identifiable personal details are disclosed.
• Limits Access to Information: Only authorized advocates and personnel involved in direct support services will have access to confidential information. Personal records, if maintained, will be secured and stored privately to prevent unauthorized access.
• Ensures Informed Consent for Any Disclosures: If an individual consents to having their story or information shared (e.g., for advocacy or awareness purposes), this must be documented and signed before any release. Individuals retain the right to withdraw consent at any time.

IV. PROTECTION OF ADVOCATES
Advocates working with Littleton Forward are often engaged in sensitive and high-profile advocacy efforts. To protect our team:

• Advocate Anonymity: Advocates may choose to use a pseudonym or remain anonymous in public-facing roles if they feel at risk of harassment or retaliation. Littleton Forward will not disclose the full names or personal details of advocates unless explicitly authorized by the individual.
• No Public Disclosure of Private Communications: Internal communications among Littleton Forward advocates and organizers are confidential. Private messages, emails, and advocacy planning documents will not be subject to public disclosure.
• Right to Protect Against Harassment: If an advocate is subjected to threats, harassment, or intimidation due to their role in Littleton Forward, the organization will take all reasonable steps to support and protect them, including referring incidents to legal assistance.

V. SECURE DATA PRACTICES
To maintain confidentiality and security Littleton Forward has implemented the following practices:

• Alphanumeric ID System for Client Records: Individuals receiving services may be assigned a randomized six-character alphanumeric ID for internal tracking. No identifying information will be stored in digital or online systems; records linking names to IDs will be kept offline in a single, secure location.
• No Public Release of Assistance Logs: Littleton Forward may keep internal logs for accountability and impact measurement, but these will remain strictly confidential. If statistics or reports are published, they will contain aggregated, de-identified data only.

VI. COMPLIANCE & ENFORCEMENT
Strict Adherence: All Littleton Forward advocates are required to follow this policy. Any breach of confidentiality may result in removal from advocacy roles and, if applicable, legal action.

Reporting Violations: Concerns regarding a potential privacy breach should be reported to Littleton Forward immediately for review and action.

VII. POLICY UPDATES
Littleton Forward reserves the right to update or modify this policy as needed to enhance privacy protections and align with best practices in advocacy work. Updates to the policy will be published at Advocate & Community Rights and will be posted publicly through our Facebook page www.facebook.com/littletonforward.

VIII. DISCLAIMER
The Advocate & Community Rights Policy outlines Littleton Forward’s commitment to protecting the privacy, confidentiality, and safety of individuals engaging with our advocacy and outreach efforts. This policy is designed to ensure that all advocates, volunteers, and those seeking assistance can do so without fear of harassment, retaliation, or unauthorized disclosure of personal information.

Nothing in this policy creates a legal obligation for Littleton Forward to disclose records, respond to public information requests, or provide assistance beyond the scope of its advocacy mission. Littleton Forward is a private advocacy and watchdog group that does not operate as a public-service entity, government agency, or charitable organization.

While Littleton Forward takes reasonable steps to safeguard sensitive information, individuals engaging with our services acknowledge that absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed in cases where disclosure is required by law or where safety concerns necessitate action.