Link Selma Robinson-Ayers National Governance & Commission on Ethics and Standards Southern Area...

Link Selma Robinson-AyersNational Governance & Commission on Ethics and Standards

Southern Area Chair, Ethics and Standards Committee

The Southern Area of the Links, Incorporated

Presents

“The Links OrganizationCode of Ethics and Standards”

A Webinar for New Member Candidates April 8, 2015

The Links OrganizationCode of Ethics and Standards

Agenda

Introduction The Code of Ethics The Core Values The Standards Complaints, Sanctions, and Appeals Other Governing Documents Ethics Check Questions & Comments


Introduction

Area Ethics and Standards Committee

Link Selma Robinson-Ayers, Area Chair St. Petersburg (FL) Chapter

Link Tamara Y. Lee, Area Vice Director Tuskegee (AL) Chapter

Link Sharon Reed, Area Parliamentarian LeFleur’s Bluff (MS) Chapter

Link Kiana Mitchell, Pontchartrain (LA) Chapter

Link Sia Baker-Barnes West Palm Beach (FL) Chapter


Introduction

The Links Organization – Who Are We?

12,000+ Members of The Links, Incorporated 281 Chapters of The Links, Incorporated 4 Areas of The Links, Incorporated (Central, Eastern,

Southern and Western Areas) The National Headquarters of The Links, Incorporated The Links, Incorporated The Links Foundation, Incorporated

We are the Links!


Introduction

The What So, WHAT exactly is Ethics and Standards? Simply

put ... Ethics = A concept of moral principles and values

(the essence of who we are inwardly, and as manifested in our actions & behavior outwardly).

Standards = Are simply a set of guidelines that are agreed to as the “norm” (based upon Principles and Values) that define acceptable conduct, behavior and actions.


Introduction When & Where are E&S Applicable?

Whenever and Wherever!In all things – at all times – and in all places!

As members of The Links, Incorporated, our actions must always exemplify the Highest Standards of Ethics and Integrity

Fostering sisterly friendship Conducting business and providing services Chapter and Committee Meetings Area Conferences and National Assemblies Programming Initiatives Fundraising Activities Civic Endeavors Community/Public Relations


Introduction

The Value of Ethics & Standards

The Why - Why is ethics important?

It’s all about our Reputation!

Reputational Capital

Representatives & Ambassadors

Accountability & Compliance

Reputations are forged over time, but can be destroyed in an instant!


The Code of Ethics

The Pledge“I do solemnly pledge myself to all the ideals, purposes and true meaning of the word friendship as embodied in the name Links.

I shall earnestly endeavor to uphold these standards and do my share toward serving my community and my chapter to the best of my ability. And this I promise.”


The Code of Ethics

Adhering to the Constitution and Bylaws, Manual of Procedures, The Links Organization Code of Ethics and Standards, and other official documents of The Links, Incorporated and The Links Foundation, Incorporated.

Fostering the bonds of friendship.

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

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

Abiding by applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Adhering to international copyright and intellectual property laws.

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.


The Core Values Friendship Service Legacy Respect Family Relations Honesty/Truth Confidentiality Integrity Courage Responsibility & Accountability


The Standards

Communications Social Media Policy

Financial Operations

Intellectual Property

Equal Opportunity

Conflict of Interest


The Standards

Standard 1: Communications

National President is official spokesperson.

Members MUST maintain privacy and confidentiality.

No harmful statements re the organization or its members.

No unauthorized written or electronic communications.


The StandardsStandard 1: Communications – Social Media “Appendix A” to the “Social Media Policy” provides examples

of inappropriate online conduct by members and chapters acting on behalf of, or in their capacity as, members of The Links, Incorporated on sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and other social media platforms which violates The Links Code of Ethics and Standards.

Members are strongly encouraged to review the “Social Media Policy” and to study “The Code of Ethics and Standards” and other governing documents for a more complete review of current standards of conduct that should apply as we meet our mission of service through friendship, and protect our Links brand.

While the current revision of The Code of Ethics and Standards does not specifically address our recent social media presence, adherence to current rules and regulations, and an understanding of current Communications sanctions for inappropriate conduct, along with an awareness of the complaint and appeals processes, are expected.


The Standards

Standard 2: Financial Operations

Use of Public Funds – Monies shall be used for the stated charitable activities and service projects, only.

Recusals – Links and immediate family members must recuse themselves from participation in sponsored public fundraising activities involving lotteries, silent and live auctions, awards, gifts and prizes.

No self-dealing or misappropriation of funds.


The Standards

Standard 3: Intellectual Property

No plagiarism or misuse of information.

Give appropriate credit for work done.

Adhere to all copyright and intellectual property laws.


The Standards

Standard 4: Equal Opportunity

The Links Organization shall promote equal opportunity and diversity for all persons regardless of age, race, color, gender, religion, national origin, handicap, disability or any other characteristic protected by law, and shall make decisions based on merit, qualifications and abilities.

Make every effort to ensure reasonable accommodations.


The Standards

Standard 5: Conflict of Interest

Members must refrain from Conflicts of Interest.

Recusals and Waivers of Conflict of Interest are required.

No unauthorized Awards or Recognitions.

Compensation/Salary paid to members or immediate family must be disclosed ($50+).

The Links OrganizationCode of Ethics and Standards The

Standards

Standard 5: Conflict of Interest (Cont’d)

Disclose Gifts/Compensation by Parties Seeking to Conduct Business.

Substantial Obligation/Beneficial Interest to Supplier of Goods and Services must be disclosed.

Disclosure must be made of Salaries or Gift Funds to the Links Organization.


The Complaint Process Designed to resolve Ethics and

Standards issues at the lowest levels of The Links Organization.

Should only be utilized for ethics infractions and/or violations of the Links Organization Code of Ethics and Standards.

Do not file Ethics Complaints for issues/ concerns that are of a “non-ethical” nature.


The Complaint Process Must be in writing. Must be submitted on appropriate form. Cannot be anonymous. Must be placed in an envelope and marked

confidential. Must be submitted to The Chapter, Area or

National Ethics and Standards Committee Chair, whichever is appropriate.

Must be submitted to the Chapter President, Area Director or National President, whichever is appropriate.

Must be provided to alleged offender. Must be kept confidential.


The Response to Complaint Process

Ethics and Standards Committee meets within 10 days to review complaint, initiate an investigation and plan for a hearing.

The alleged offender must be notified within 10 days of complaint and offered the opportunity to respond in writing.

The alleged offender must notify Committee in writing as to whether a written response will be provided.


The Investigation

Contact presiding officer to ensure receipt of complaint

Conduct interviews with accused offender, complainant and any other witnesses

Attempt to resolve the issue at the lowest possible level

Gather appropriate documents

Work with presiding officer to schedule hearing

Notify all parties of hearing via certified mail

Maintain strictest confidentiality.


The Hearing

Quorum includes the Ethics & Standards Committee Chair, Parliamentarian and Vice-President Membership.

All members present must have a signed Confidentiality form on file.

Presiding officer introduces herself and the members present.

Hearing is then called to executive session.

Complainant and Respondent may have 3 total representatives (1 to present the case and 2 to assist in the presentation).

Each side has 10 minutes to present case.


The Hearing Cont’d.

Documents may be presented but copies need to be available for all in attendance.

Witnesses are permitted if they were present when the alleged incident occurred (Links members only).

Members and Complainant/Respondent may ask questions.

Members and the Committee then have an opportunity to ask questions for 5 minutes.

Complainant and Respondent have 5 minutes to present their final summaries.


The Hearing Cont’d.

The Committee and members, outside of any parties, representatives or witnesses, deliberate for 10 minutes and come to a decision.

A two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote is required to uphold complaint and/or impose sanctions.

The parties are notified in writing of the decision.

No legal representation is permitted. Only members of the Links, Incorporated may participate in the Hearing Process. A Link who is an attorney and a respondent’s representative, may not act in the capacity of an attorney during the Hearing.


Possible Sanctions for Violations

Apology – Oral or written statement by member who has committed an offense

Censure, Reprimand – Written statement by Chapter

Fine – Sum paid as a penalty for failure to comply

Removal from Office – Permanent removal of member from elected or appointed position

Probation/Chapter – Defined time period (NTE 1 year) during which chapters shall curtail activities to correct deficiencies


Possible Sanctions for Violations

Suspension/Chapter – Defined time period (NTE 1 year) during which chapter activities are suspended

Suspension/Member – Temporary withdrawal of a member from all activity with the local Chapter, the Area and the Links, Incorporated for a defined period (NTE 1 year)

Expulsion/Member – Total and permanent severance of a member’s relationship with The Links, Incorporated

Charter Revocation/Chapter – Strictest discipline for most egregious violations – permanently withdraws chapter’s charter. (Most severe sanction.)


The Appeals Process Members have the right to appeal (question) any

matter resulting in disciplinary action.

Appeals are permitted to the Area, Executive Council and National Assembly.

30 days allowed to appeal after notification of final decision.

Area conducts a hearing.

No hearing at Executive level.

All actions of the National Assembly are final.


Other Governing Documents

The Links, Incorporated Constitution & Bylaws (Article I – Membership – Section 14) Disciplinary Action for Other (“Non-ethical”) Issues

A member found culpable (by the Chapter and/or the Area Executive Committee) for the following conduct against The Links, Incorporated shall be subject to disciplinary action:

Conduct tending to injure the good name of The Links, Incorporated;

Conduct that disturbs its well being; Conduct that hampers it in its work.


Other Governing Documents

Manual of Procedures of The Links, Incorporated (Bylaws – Article I – Membership – Disciplinary Process)

Members, including officers, may be censured,

suspended, or expelled for conduct injurious to the name of The Links, Incorporated, including but not limited to:

disturbance of the organization’s well being;

violation of, or failure to abide by, the governing rules, regulations and/or policies of the organization;

harmful behavior to members; and/or conviction of a felony.


Ethics Check

A sound ethical culture is a key to avoiding scandal, safeguarding an organization’s reputation, and sustaining its brand value!

Ethical conduct and behavior is everyone’s responsibility! Do the right thing Be open and honest Seek awareness and ensure compliance Accept responsibility for your actions

When in doubt - "Take an ethics check!" Check with your Chapter President, Chapter Ethics and

Standards Committee, Area Ethics and Standards Chair Is it legal? Is it right? Does it foster The Links’ Core Values? Does it enhance or diminish The Links’ Reputation?


Contact Info Mail:

Selma Robinson-Ayers, ChairSouthern Area Ethics & Standards Committee6295 Bahia Del Mar Circle #307St. Petersburg, FL 33715

E-mail:[email protected]

Telephone:727-906-3373 (Home) 727-709-7420 (Cell)

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


Questions &

Comments

Thanks for your participation!

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