GIRLS INC. OF JACKSON COUNTY CODE OF CONDUCT

Core Organizational Values

Vision:            Powerful girls in an equitable society

Mission:         To inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold

Working Strong, Smart, and Bold at Girls Inc.

Mindful of our respect for one another, our regard for the reputation of Girls Inc., our pride in our personal and professional standing, and our obligation to empower girls nationwide, it is expected that all Girls Inc. staff will:

Conduct personal and professional relationships with awareness that, by agreeing to participate in the fulfillment of the organization’s mission, we assume responsibility for the honor of the Girls Inc. community both internally and in the external world.

Recognize that within the organization each person takes part in a social contract that assumes the fair, responsive, straightforward and courteous communication and behavior that persons of good will and mutual trust may expect from one another.

We will accomplish the above as we encourage the next generation of young women to become responsible citizens who will effect positive change in their own communities and work environments.

Employment Practices

At Girls Inc., every staff member is treated with the utmost respect and integrity.  We as an organization embrace and value diversity and do not tolerate discrimination or harassment in any form.  We will always strive to meet the highest standard of performance, quality and service as we work to achieve our mission.

We will encourage a culture where individuals feel free to express their opinions, engage in open, honest debate in the interest of seeking truth and building consensus.

We are committed to professional development of all of our peers and take seriously our responsibility to support, nurture, teach and inspire each other.

Public Information/Communications

Girls Inc. strives to inform and educate the general public regarding the strengths and needs of girls and young women.  The Girls Inc. National Council adopts policy statements that express its values and convictions on issues that are considered critical to the health and well-being of all girls.  These policies, along with the Girls Inc. Girls’ Bill of Rights form the foundation for our programs, advocacy, communication, and public education activities.

Girls Inc. will provide information that reflects and fosters these values, and gives the public truthful, clear and full disclosure of the organization’s programs, activities, finances, operating standards, and practices.

We will ensure that all confidential, privileged or nonpublic information is not disclosed inappropriately and will respect the privacy rights of all individuals.

Philanthropy and Donor Rights

To ensure that donors and prospective donors have full confidence in Girls Inc. to use donations effectively and for their intended purposes, Girls Inc. staff and volunteer leadership will:

Provide access to the organization’s financial statements upon request and publish annual reports;

Assure that all contributions are used for the purposes for which they are given;

Provide appropriate acknowledgement and recognition;

Assure all donations are handled with respect and confidentiality afforded by law, and upon request delete names from mailing lists;

As a matter of policy, Girls Inc. of Jackson County does not share organization mailing lists or donor lists;

Respond promptly and accurately to donor questions.

Girls Inc. staff and philanthropic volunteers will practice fundraising with integrity, honesty, truthfulness and adherence to the absolute obligation to safeguard the public trust.

Accountability

Girls Inc. is responsible to its stakeholders that include affiliates, board, donors, and others who have placed faith in our mission, support our goals and work on behalf and with girls and young women.  To uphold this trust we will:

Promote good stewardship of Girls Inc. resources;

Refrain from using organizational resources for non-Girls Inc. purposes;

Observe and comply with all laws and regulations affecting Girls Inc. staff, officers and board members;

Insure open and transparent reporting and fiscal accountability.

We will disclose fully the state of our organization, recognizing that power comes from a healthy evaluation of both our strengths and weaknesses, and uphold the highest standards of accountability.

Conflict of Interest

At Girls Inc. of Jackson County we will avoid any conflict of interest or appearance of a conflict of interest.

We will avoid any activity with vendors, grantees, or others that would compromise decisions or the ability to effectively carry out the duties for which we are responsible or that would conflict with the best interest of Girls Inc.

All gifts, favors, fees, or honoraria will be declared except for promotional items or items of nominal value.

We will avoid influencing the selection of staff, consultants and vendors solely on the basis of a personal relationship.

Chief Operating Officer

Any questions regarding the Code, its interpretation or application should be directed to the Executive Director (Compliance Officer).  If a staff member knows of a violation of the code, she or he should immediately report it to her or his supervisor or directly to the Compliance Officer.  Any supervisor receiving such a report must immediately advise the Compliance Officer.  The Compliance Officer will promptly investigate all alleged code violations.

 

Whistleblower Protection

 

Girls Inc. of Jackson County’s Code of Ethics and Conduct Code requires directors, officers, and employees to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. As employees and representatives of the organization, we must practice honesty and integrity in fulfilling our responsibilities and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

 

Reporting Responsibility

It is the responsibility of all directors, officers, and employees to comply with the Code and to report violations or suspected violations in accordance with this Whistleblower Policy.

 

No Retaliation

No director, officer, or employee who in good faith reports a violation of the Code shall suffer harassment, retaliation, or adverse employment consequence. An employee who retaliates against someone who has reported a violation in good faith is subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment. This Whistleblower Policy is intended to encourage and enable employees and others to raise serious concerns within the organization prior to seeking resolution outside the organization.

 

Reporting Violations

The Code addresses the organization’s open-door policy and suggests that employees share their questions, concerns, suggestions, or complaints with someone who can address them properly. In most cases, an employee’s supervisor is in the best position to address an area of concern.

However, if you are not comfortable speaking with your supervisor or you are not satisfied with your supervisor’s response, you are encouraged to speak with someone in the human resources department or anyone in management who you are comfortable approaching. Supervisors and managers are required to report suspected violations of the Code of Conduct to the organization’s compliance officer, who has specific and exclusive responsibility to investigate all reported violations. For suspected fraud, or when you are not satisfied or uncomfortable with following the organization’s open-door policy, individuals should contact the organization’s compliance officer directly.

 

Accounting and Auditing Matters

The audit committee of the board shall address all reported concerns or complaints regarding corporate accounting practices, internal controls, or auditing. The compliance officer shall immediately notify the audit committee of any such complaint and work with the committee until the matter is resolved.

 

Acting in Good Faith

Anyone filing a complaint concerning a violation or suspected violation of the Code must be acting in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed indicates a violation of the Code. Any allegations that prove not to be substantiated and which prove to have been made maliciously or knowingly to be false will be viewed as a serious disciplinary offense.

 

Confidentiality

Violations or suspected violations may be submitted on a confidential basis by the complainant or may be submitted anonymously. Reports of violations or suspected violations will be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation.

Disclosure of member information without parent/guardian consent is prohibited.