Linking the Standards to Friendship and Service

37th National AssemblyNATIONAL ETHICS and STANDARDS COMMITTEE

Sandra Dorsey Malone, ChairmanJuly 3, 2010

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Ethics and StandardsArea Chairs

Deidra Y.A. EdwardsCentral Area Chair Cream City (WI) The Links, Inc

Sia Barnes, Atty Southern Area Chair West Palm Beach (FL) The Links, Inc

Carolyn Lewis Mosby, Ed.D.Eastern Area Chair James River Valley (VA) The Links, Inc

Eva J. PurnellWestern Area Chair Missouri City (TX)The Links, Inc.

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Ethics and StandardsCentral Area Members

Lula CosbySpringfield (Oh)The Links, Inc.

Bonnie McLearyLake Shore (IL)The Links, Inc.

Marsha Dimmy Sullivan Ph.D.Northern Indiana (IN)The Links, Inc.

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Ethics and Standards Eastern Area Members

Rosemary Nichols JonesCommonwealth (VA) The Links, Inc.

Sharon Urquhart Richardson Newport News (VA)The Links, Inc.

Barbara Edwards Westchester County (NY) The Links, Inc.

Joyce Felder Prince George’s County (MD)The Links, Inc.

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Ethics and StandardsSouthern Area Members

Veola F. Hymes Columbus (GA)The Links, Inc.

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Ethics and StandardsWestern Area Members

Evia Briggs Moore, Ed.D.Stockton (CA) The Links, Inc.

Evelyn Banks NeelyPeninsula Bay (CA) The Links, Inc.

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Ethics and StandardsExecutive Council Members

Margot James CopelandCleveland (OH)The Links, Inc.

Jacqueline Spriggs RevisPRP San Antonio (TX)The Links, Inv.

Sandra Dorsey MaloneDallas (TX)The Links, Inc.

Purposeful Service

Accountability in Life’s Role

THE LINKS, INC

Linking the Standards to Friendship and Service

Ethics- a guide to the Chain of Friendship

and Purposeful Service

ETHICS and STANDARDS

WHAT!!

A set of rules that clearly articulate our values and the standards of conduct expected of members.

Adopted at the 35th National Assembly-Philadelphia, PA 2006.

http://musicremedy.com/musicaudio/Seal/Change-Is-Gonna-Come-281445.asx

ETHICS and STANDARDS

WHY?To ensure that all members internalize the values of the organization and that the principles of conduct guide their actions in all aspects of the organization’s activities

Accountability to the publicGovernance practices of non-profit and charitable organization are under increasing scrutiny by state and federal regulations

ETHICS and STANDARDS

WHO?Ethics and Standards Committees at every

level of the Links Organization– Chapter– Area– National

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ETHICS and STANDARDS

Objective Increased knowledge and understanding of the Code of

Ethics and Standards and the rationale for its various components – explore all aspects of the Code of Ethics and

Standards through selected simulated activities – preview selected documents that include the Codes,

Standards and attendant implementation guidelines and procedures

– present questions, concerns and suggestions

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Organizational BeliefsOrganizational Beliefs

ExcellenceServing the public goodIndividual responsibility & integrityPreserving the worth and dignity of

the individualRespect for pluralism and diversity

Statement of IntentStatement of Intent

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The Code of EthicsThe Code of Ethics

As members of The Links, Incorporated, we agree to maintain the highest ethical standards of conduct by:

1. Adhering to the – Manual of Procedures, – Constitution and Bylaws, – Code of Ethics, – other official documents of The Links,

Inc. and The Links Foundation, Inc.

2. Fostering the bonds of friendship.

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The Code of EthicsThe Code of Ethics

3. Implementing programs and activities in the program facets that meet our organizational mission and service requirements.

4. Serving the public in a trustworthy manner, dealing honestly with members of The Links, Incorporated and the community at large.

5. Abiding by applicable Federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

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The Code of EthicsThe Code of Ethics

6. Adhering to international copyright and intellectual property laws.

7. Guarding against conflicts of interest and avoiding the appearance of impropriety when using organizational funds and public resources and when giving and receiving gifts and awards.

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The Standards The Standards

1. Communications

2. Financial Operations

3. Intellectual Property

4. Equal Opportunity

5. Conflict of Interest

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The Procedures The Procedures

Complaints, Sanctions and Appeals Response to Complaints

Individual Link Chapter Area Officer or Committee Chair Member, Executive Council or Foundation

Board Headquarters Staff

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The ProceduresThe Procedures

Complaints, Sanctions and Appeals Sanctions

Matched to category and severity of violation

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The ProceduresThe Procedures

Ethics and Standards Committees Structure, Membership Roles &

Responsibilities Chapter Area National Role of the Chapter President, Area

Director or National President

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The Qualifications

Ethics and Standards Committees Qualifications for Committee Membership

Active member in good standing Act according to highest standardsPromote the vision of The Links OrganizationKnow, understand and value the Code of Ethics and

attendant documentsDemonstrate concern for interests and well being of

individuals affected by the action of the committee

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The ProceduresThe Procedures

Ethics and Standards Committees Duties of the Committee

Oversees the process of handling Complaints

Serves as Resource for Members Monitors Implementation of the Code of

Ethics

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The FormsThe Forms

To standardize the process and provide consistency for implementation and monitoring, eleven (11) process forms have been developed. √ Every Link is expected to sign the Member Acknowledgement Form [COE-61-1]

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The FormsThe Forms

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The FormsThe Forms

Member Acknowledgment – COE 61-1Employee Acknowledgment – COE 61-1aConflict of Interest- Disclosure – COE 61-2Confidentiality Statement – COE 61-3Complaint Form – COE 61-4Due Process Notification– COE 61-5Minutes of the Code of Ethics Hearing – COE 61-6Notification of Hearing Results– COE 61-7 Ethics and Standards Transmittal – COE 61-8Request for Appeal – COE 61-9Decision Upheld – COE 61-10 Decision Reversed – COE 61-11

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References-Resources

Glossary and Terms Advisory Bulletin: Governance of Charitable Organizations Contact Persons

National Ethics and Standards Committee Roster Area Ethics and Standards Committee Roster

Inaugural Documents Letter- 13th National President Letter- 2002—2006 Commission on Ethics and

Standards

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Standard One – Communications

1. Communications

A. Official Organizational Spokesperson

B. Maintaining Confidentiality and Privacy

C. Statements Harmful to Organization or Members

D. Unauthorized Written and Electronic Communication

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Standard One – Communications

B. Maintaining Privacy and Confidentiality Do not discuss “Links” business outside of

The Links organization Do not discuss personal and private matters

of our Link sisters

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Standard One – Communications

D. Unauthorized Electronic Communications Avoid using “reply all” unless directed to do

so Be sure that your email address is not

subject to “public disclosure” Use a personal email account to ensure the

privacy and confidentiality of our Links Communications

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Standard One - Communications

ScenarioLink Jones sends an email to all Links in her Chapterfrom her school district email account. She states that the she heard that the National President is considering a new assessment, and she is not in favor of any more assessments! She then states that the National Office is wasting money, and she want the opinions of her Chapter members. Link Watkins responds by hitting reply all, so that her message is forwarded to all members. She copies her sister who is a candidate for membership in another Chapter. What are the ethical ramifications of this conduct?

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Standard Two – Financial Operations

A. Use of Public Funds

B. Recusal from Participation in Sponsored Public Fundraising Activities involving lotteries, auctions (live and silent), awards, gifts and prizes

C. Self-Dealing and Misappropriation of Funds

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Standard Five - Conflict of Interest

Sets forth ethical standards and norms that implement our Code of Ethics in eight specific areas related to conflict of interest

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Standard Five - Conflict of Interest

A. Refrain from Engaging in a Conflict of InterestB. Recusals and WaiversC. Authorizing Recognitions and AwardsD. Disclosure before Receipt of Salary or Compensation from

The Links OrganizationE. Disclosing Gifts , Compensation, or other Benefits Offered

by Parties Seeking to Conduct Business with The Links Organization

F. Disclosing Beneficial Interest or Substantial Obligation to a Supplier of Goods and Services to The Links Organization

G. Disclosing Salaries Paid by Grant Funds or Gifts to The Links Organization

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Standard Five - Conflict of Interest

A. Refrain from Engaging in a Conflict of Interest

Scenario

Chapter Fundraising Event includes a Silent Auction where chapter members participate in the silent auction in order to encourage bidding on the auction items. At the end of the event, a chapter member is listed as the highest bidder for an auction item

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Standard Five - Conflict of Interest

A. Refrain from Engaging in a Conflict of Interest

You Be The Judge

Chapter members refrain from participating in public silent auction.

Chapter members may participate in chapter silent auction with auction items not sold after public fundraiser with the authorization of the donor and the approval of the chapter—proceeds support chapter programming or scholarship and reported to the donor.

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Standard Five - Conflict of Interest

F. Disclosing a Beneficial Interest or Substantial Obligation of a Supplier of Goods and Services to The Links Organization

Scenario

Fundraising Event Chairman selects her husband’s printing firm as the printer for all fundraising printing needs; invitations, tickets, programs and souvenir program book.

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Standard Five - Conflict of Interest

F. Disclosing a Beneficial Interest or Substantial Obligation of a Supplier of Goods and Services to The Links Organization

You Be The Judge

Complete Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement

Open bidding process for vendors used for fundraising event.

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The Process From Complaint to Appeal

In a separate document – Eastern Area model from the 2009 Conference

Workshop is used to present the appropriate use of the Code of Ethics Forms

The required process-from complaint to appeal- to be implemented by the Ethics and Standards Committee, is demonstrated through the use of completed samples of the appropriate forms [COE 61-4 – COE-61-9]

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The Standards DefinedPossible response and Sanctions

In a separate document - Each Standard

– Is identified – Aligned with appropriate Code– Aligned with appropriate Core Value– Referenced governing document– Sample of action [scenario]– suggested response– Possible sanction and rationale

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Q & A

Questions and Concerns Answers and References

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Credits

Essence Magazine Washington Post Seal Black Eyed Peas

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WE THANK YOU

Thank you for attending this session of

Linking the Standards

to Friendship and Service