Code of Ethics

United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties Code of Ethics

United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties is committed to the highest ethical standards.  Based on the unique trust placed in United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties to serve the public good, we have a special obligation to act ethically.

The success of the United Way system and our reputation depend upon the ethical conduct of everyone affiliated with the United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties.  Board Members, Staff and Volunteers set an example for each other, and for partner programs, by their pursuit of excellence in high standards of performance, professionalism, and ethical conduct. 

We are mindful that our core values must be clearly articulated, communicated and continuously reinforced.  In addition, more detailed policies; guidelines, explanations, definitions and examples are often needed to bring these values into actual practice.  While no document can anticipate all of the challenges that may arise, the Code communicates key guidelines and will assist United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties Board Members, Staff and Volunteers in making good decisions that are ethical and in accordance with applicable requirements.

 

1.    PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITY

A personal commitment to integrity in all circumstances benefits each individual as well as the organization.  We therefore:

  • Strive to meet the highest standards of performance, quality, service and achievement in working towards the United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties’ mission.
  • Communicate honestly and openly and avoid misrepresentation.
  • Promote a working environment where honesty, open communication and a diversity of opinions are valued.
  • Exhibit respect and fairness toward all those with whom we come into contact.

 

2.    ACCOUNTABILITY

United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties is responsible to its stakeholders, which include partner programs, donors and others who have placed faith in United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties.  To uphold this trust, we:

  • Promote good stewardship of United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties’ resources, dues and other contributions used to pay operating expenses, salaries, and employee benefits, and other administrative costs.
  • Ensure travel, entertainment and related expenses are incurred consistent with the mission of United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties and not for personal gain or interests.
  • Refrain from using organizational resources for non-United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties purposes.
  • Observe and comply with all laws and regulations affecting United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties.

 

3.    DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principle of diversity.  We therefore:

  • Value, champion, and embrace diversity in all aspects of United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties activities and respect others without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, national origin or ancestry, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, or status as a qualified individual with a disability or handicap.
  • Refuse to engage in or tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment.

4.    CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

To avoid any conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest which could tarnish the reputation of United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties as well as undermine the publics trust in all United Way organizations, United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties Board Members, Staff and Volunteers:

  • Avoid any activity or outside interest which conflicts or appears to conflict with the best interest of United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties.
  • Decline any gift, gratuity, or favor in the performance of United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties duties except for promotional items of nominal value.  Food, transportation, lodging or entertainment is also unacceptable unless directly related to United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties business.

 
United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties volunteers:

  • Should not knowingly take any action, or make any statement, intended to influence the conduct of United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties in such a way to confer any financial benefit on themselves, their immediate family members, or any organization in which they or their immediate family members have a significant interest as stakeholders, directors or officers.
  • During the fund distribution process by the Community Impact Committee and Review Panels, such member shall, if actively engaged as a participating member of the allocation function, abstain from the discussion and decision process with respect to said specific agency creating the conflict of interest.
  • Disclose all known conflicts or potential conflicts of interest in any matter before the Board of Directors, if they are Board members, or any committee upon which they serve and withdraw from the meeting room during any discussion, review and voting in connection with such matter.

5.    CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY

Confidentiality is a hallmark of professionalism.  We therefore:

  • Ensure all confidential, privileged or nonpublic information  is not disclosed inappropriately.
  • Respect the privacy rights of all individuals in the performance of their United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties’ duties.

 

6.    POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS

As a charitable corporation, United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties is prohibited from making contributions to any candidate for public office or to any political committee.  We therefore:

  • Refrain from making any contributions to any candidate for public office or political committee on behalf of United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties including the use of United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties facilities for political campaign activities.
  • Refrain from making any contributions to any candidate for public office or political committee in a manner that may create the appearance that the contribution is on behalf of United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties.

 

GUIDANCE AND DISCLOSURE

Any known or possible breaches of the Code of Ethics should be disclosed.  Staff and Volunteers should contact a supervisor.  Board Members should contact the President.  Reports of possible breaches will be handled in the following manner:

  • All reports of possible breaches will be treated in confidence as much as the organization’s duty to investigate and the law allow.  If confidentiality cannot be maintained, the individual disclosing the possible breach will be notified.
  • All reported breaches will be investigated.
  • Retaliation against a person who suspects and reports a breach in good faith will be treated as an independent breach of this Code of Ethics.
  • If breach involves the CEO, contact the President.
  • United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties affirms prompt and fair resolution of all reported breaches.

 

Amended 3/10/2021