Building Trust and Credibility:
The success of NFDW is dependent on trust and confidence earned from our leaders, volunteers, partners, and the public. Credibility is gained by adhering to commitments and displaying honest conduct with integrity. NFDW shall create an environment in which NFDW will build trust and credibility over the long term.
Respect for the Individual:
NFDW will treat others with dignity and respect. NFDW is committed to providing an environment free from discrimination, abusive, offensive, or harassing behavior. Volunteers feeling harassed or discriminated against should report the incident to their President.
Create a Culture of Open and Honest Communication:
NFDW leaders have a responsibility to create an open supportive environment where volunteers
and members feel comfortable raising questions. NFDW will investigate all reported instances of questionable or unethical behavior. Where improper behavior is found to have occurred, action will be taken. NFDW will not tolerate retaliation against volunteers, members or leaders who raise ethics concerns in good faith.
Set Tone at the Top:
Leaders have the added responsibility for demonstrating ethical behavior through their actions. Clear and direct communication of behavioral expectations must be modeled and demonstrated from the top.
leaders must be responsible for promptly addressing ethical questions or
concerns raised by volunteers or members taking the appropriate steps to deal with such issues
being mindful to collaborate with other peers
Uphold the Law:
NFDW’ will comply with laws, rules, and regulations where operating. We are responsible for preventing
violations of law and for speaking up if we see possible violations.
Proprietary Information:
NFDW will respect the property rights of others. NFDW will not engage in unauthorized use,
copying, distribution or alteration of software, or other intellectual property including, but not
limited to, the use of images found online that are not within the public domain, etc.
Selective Disclosure:
NFDW will not selectively disclose (whether in one-on-one or small discussions, meetings, presentations,
proposals or otherwise) any material or nonpublic information with respect to NFDW’s operations, plans, financial condition, results of operations, or any development plan. NFDW will be diligent when making presentations or proposals to non-members to ensure that our presentations do not contain private information.
Conflicts Regarding Endorsement:
NFDW will make objective and fair decisions when performing our jobs. All members are welcomed to recuse themselves or abstain on a vote or activity that may conflict with their personal beliefs.
Personal vs. NFDW Communication/Posts:
NFDW will make clear personal views vs. NFDW as an organization views, including all posts on all social media, including one’s own personal social media pages.
Leader Expectations:
Anyone representing NFDW as a leader is expected to remain professionally in accordance with
the Culture of Kindness when interacting with NFDW volunteers, members, partners, politicians and
members of the public.
Accountability:
Leaders of NFDW are responsible for knowing and adhering to the values and standards
set forth in this Code of Ethics and for raising questions if uncertain about this or any other
policy.
Confidential and Proprietary Information:
NFDW will protect confidential information, as well as nonpublic information entrusted to us by other leaders, members and partners outside of NFDW.
Media Inquiries:
NFDW may face on-the-spot requests for interviews at events at which the press is present. If this
occurs, the talking points used in the interview must align with NFDW's position on the topic under
discussion. NFDW leaders will collect the reporter's name, contact information, and
name of media outlet they represent. After the interview, a summary should be sent to the
President, including the reporter's information.
Anyone concerned about the standards being met, or aware of violations of the
Code of Ethics will contact the President or Member of the Executive Board. Violations are cause for
disciplinary action up to and including termination of a leadership role with NFDW.
