Effective 7/26/21

Food & Water Watch’s policy on in-person events remains flexible. We are monitoring public health conditions closely and may adjust our policy at any time based on CDC guidance, state and local laws, and/or our own assessments; changes will be promptly communicated. Modifications made to our facilities and operations to mitigate risk of COVID-19 transmission remain in effect.

This policy applies to all events FWW staff members might be asked to attend, including but not limited to: FWW hosted events; events hosted by outside partners; events co-hosted by FWW and outside partners; individual constituent/donor meetings; in-person FWW staff meetings; canvassing (see canvassing specific guidelines below); and other essential travel (i.e. court appearances, lobbying, etc.). Staff members are not expected to attend any event that does not meet the safety standards set out in this policy.

FWW encourages and empowers staff members to share these policies with partners while planning events and to advocate for sound health and safety practices.

General requirements

1. FWW staff members must be fully vaccinated to attend in-person events on behalf of FWW. FWW promotes science-based policy; science clearly shows that unvaccinated populations drive the spread of the coronavirus and the emergence of new variants.
2. Either photograph or scan your vaccination card and email it to [email protected] before attending in-person events. (Note: if you cannot be vaccinated because of American with Disabilities Act or religious exceptions, notify your supervisor).
3. FWW staff members must follow CDC guidelines on face masks.
4. Get supervisor approval to attend each in-person event. (Note: it is not necessary for staff members to get supervisor approval for each particular in-person interaction within a broader category of in-person event. For example, staff should get approval to participate in in-person canvassing for a campaign but would not need to get each shift approved; similarly, staff members should get approval to attend an in-person conference but would not need to get approval to attend each conference session or conference networking event). Supervisors must inform their Managing Director as soon as possible but within 1 business day of granting approval.
5. If staff are invited to attend an in-person event but are uncomfortable participating due to personal health and safety concerns, they may decline to participate in-person.

Requirements for organizing in-person events

1. Get approval from your supervisor before you start planning an in-person event. If approved, keep your supervisor informed about event details, including venue and capacity restrictions and health and safety measures. 
2. Whenever possible, select outdoor (rather than indoor) venues of appropriate size to allow for social distancing.
3. If a meeting/event must be held indoors, confirm capacity and social distancing restrictions and request information on the venue’s health and safety policies (e.g., cleaning and disinfecting procedures and hand sanitizer stations). If a venue’s health and safety policies are inadequate (for example, if they do not engage in regular cleaning and disinfection, do not have enough hand sanitizer stations, or do not have adequate space for safe social distancing) staff members should select another venue or hold a virtual event.
4. Review CDC, local and venue guidelines for mask wearing. If masks are required, communicate that along with any other local or venue requirements to attendees in advance and bring extra disposable masks to give to attendees who may not have one.
5. Communicate “Our Health & Safety Procedures” language (see Appendix A) to event participants prior to the event through emails or our website.
6. Communicate the Code of Conduct agreement (see Appendix B) as a mandatory field of event RSVP pages, confirmation emails, reminder emails, etc. as necessary.

Requirements for canvassing

1. Anyone who represents FWW in canvassing activities (whether they are paid FWW staff members or FWW volunteers) must be fully vaccinated. FWW staff members should either photograph or scan their vaccination card and email it to [email protected]. Volunteers should show their vaccination card (or a photograph of it) to their FWW contact.
2. Canvassers may carpool. Carpoolers shall wear facemasks in cars and roll down car windows whenever possible to ensure ventilation.
3. Wear a facemask (and any other personal protective equipment (PPE) you wish) at every door and interaction. You must continue to wear masks even if you’re simply interacting with other canvassers.
4. Prominently display your PPE to help put others at ease. After you’ve been fully vaccinated, it may be helpful to display the sticker (“I got my vaccine!”) you received.
5. Bring hand sanitizer to ring/knock on doors and sanitize your hands frequently.
6. Maintain six feet of distance with others. After you ring/knock, take several steps back so there’s already distance when a resident opens the door.
7. Paper petitions can be used but a text to sign code is recommended for those uncomfortable with paper. For those signing a petition over text, talk them through the entire petition while they’re in front of you; voters who just take the link or fill out part of the form before the end of the interaction are less likely to complete a signature.
8. Only touch literature with clean hands.

Appendix A 

Our Health & Safety Procedures 

Food & Water Watch promotes science-based policy; science clearly shows that unvaccinated populations drive the spread of the coronavirus and the emergence of new variants.

What we are doing 

At this time, we are taking the following steps to ensure the health and safety of our members at Food & Water Watch hosted events and meetings.

• Ensuring that all Food & Water Watch staff and members follow all recommended safety precautions, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Working closely with any venue to ensure frequent cleaning and disinfecting of all areas and surfaces.
• Increased monitoring of employee and community health.
• Working closely to develop and implement plans that incorporate recommended health and safety guidelines.

What we ask of members and guests

• Wear face masks as appropriate:
  • All non-vaccinated individuals must wear face masks.
  • Food & Water Watch staff hosts will provide disposable masks to give to attendees who may not have one.
  • Fully vaccinated individuals should follow CDC guidelines on the wearing of face masks (in addition to following other federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules and regulations, including the hosting venue’s policies).
• Use social distancing discretion when at a Food & Water Watch event.
• Members and guests may not join the event if any of the following apply:
  • You currently have a fever of 100.4 °F or greater.
  • You have had any symptoms of COVID-19 in the past 48 hours, ○ You have had close contact with a person who has confirmed COVID-19 in the past 14 days.
  • You tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days.
  • In the last 14 days you have traveled from a country that meets the criteria for required quarantine upon arrival.

Appendix B 

Code of Conduct for Event Attendees 

By RSVPing for this event, I agree to this Code of Conduct and understand that I may be asked to leave the event at any time by the event organizers for noncompliance.

Before Leaving Home

• Follow relevant guidance provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and your local health authorities.
• Adhere to government travel restrictions and guidance issued by the region you will be travelling to and the region you are travelling from.
• Evaluate your own health and that of people with whom you are in close contact; contact the meeting/event organizers if you have concerns.
• Stay home if you feel sick.

On-site During the Event

• Follow guidance from your local health authorities for everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses including:
  • Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. Throw used tissues in the trash.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Agree to wear a mask or facial covering, if required by Food & Water Watch.
• Adhere to social distance protocols and respect others’ personal space.

Post-event

• Based on current contact tracing advice from many health authorities, if you test positive for COVID-19 up to 14 days after returning home, please contact [email protected] to advise the event organizers.