National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky Substance Use/Abuse Policy
Effective Date: June 21, 2025
Approved By: National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky Board of Directors
1. Purpose
This policy outlines the expectations and responsibilities regarding substance use/abuse for all individuals associated with The National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky (hereafter referred to as the affiliate), including chapter and division members within the affiliate. It aims to ensure a safe, professional, and respectful environment consistent with the mission and values of our national organization.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
• All elected officers, affiliate members, volunteers, participants, vendors, and other entities or individuals affiliated with the affiliate.
• All members of chapters and divisions recognized under the affiliate.
• All activities, events, meetings, and representation conducted under the name of the affiliate, its chapters, or divisions. Including in-person or virtual activities.
• All events of the affiliate where a person affiliated with the affiliate is representing the state affiliate such as the National Federation of the Blind national convention.
3. Policy Statement
A. Illegal Substances
• The possession, use, distribution, or sale of illegal substances is strictly prohibited at any events of the affiliate, its chapters, or divisions, regardless of location.
• Members found to be under the influence of illegal substances while participating in any affiliate-related activity will be subject to disciplinary action, such as a referral to the national organization for a code of conduct violation, expulsion from the state affiliate, and/or referral to law enforcement where appropriate.
• In addition to affiliate events and activities, these rules apply to all National Federation of the Blind events where the person/entity is representing the affiliate.
B. Alcohol Use
• Alcohol may only be consumed at events sanctioned by affiliate, where alcohol use is legal, responsibly managed, and does not interfere with the purpose of the event.
• Individuals under the legal drinking age may not consume, possess, or be served alcohol at any affiliate or chapter function.
• Members of legal drinking age are expected to drink responsibly and refrain from any behavior that could reflect poorly on the affiliate or endanger themselves or others.
• Alcohol may not be consumed during professional business meetings of the affiliate or the National Federation of the Blind such as but not limited to the convention floor during the affiliate state convention or during general sessions of the National Federation of the Blind’s national convention.
C. Smoking (vape products included)
• During affiliate and National Federation of the Blind events, smoking shall only be permitted in designated areas as dictated by the facility where the event is being held such as hotels, schools, churches, etc..
• If use of smoking products presents as a distraction or otherwise interferes with an event then the user may be asked to stop use of the product, leave the location, or other reasonable requests to address the issue.
• Individuals under the legal smoking age may not consume, possess, or be given smoke/vape products at any affiliate or chapter function.
• Repeated violations may result in more serious consequences that will be determined by a review of the affiliate board of directors. - See Section 5: Reporting and Enforcement.
D. Prescription Medications
• Members may use prescription medications only as prescribed by a licensed medical professional. Misuse, distribution, or being under the influence in a way that impairs participation or safety is not permitted.
4. Prohibited Conduct
The following behaviors are strictly prohibited:
• Arriving at or participating in any affiliate event while impaired as a result of illegal substance or alcohol use accompanied with behavior that interferes with the function of the event.
• Hosting, facilitating, or promoting the use of illegal substances at any affiliate event or event where you are representing the affiliate.
• Pressuring or encouraging others to consume alcohol or substances.
• Using affiliate resources (such as but not limited to: communication channels, funds, facilities, etc.) for activities involving illegal substances or inappropriate alcohol use.
5. Reporting and Enforcement
• Concerns or violations should be immediately reported to a member of the affiliate board of directors or their stated designee.
• All reports will be promptly investigated with discretion and confidentiality.
• Disciplinary actions may include verbal and written warnings, removal from events, notification to the national organization for a code of conduct violation, and/or removal of any affiliate memberships or titles (expulsion).
• All infractions will be investigated on a case-by-case basis.
• Disciplinary action will be decided by the affiliate’s board of directors once the investigation has been completed and all findings reviewed.
• The parties to the report will be informed of the decision and any disciplinary actions. Either party then has the right to appeal the decision to the affiliate’s board of directors. Appeals shall be filed within thirty days of the original decision unless extenuating circumstances exist to extend the deadline.
6. National Organization Compliance
This policy aligns with the National Federation of the Blind’s code of conduct and will be enforced by the National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky Board of Directors as outlined above.