Code of Ethics
Upper Valley United Way (UVUW) is committed to the highest ethical standards. The success of our United Way depends upon the ethical conduct of everyone affiliated with UVUW. This Code establishes guidelines to assist volunteers and staff in making good decisions that are ethical and in accordance with applicable legal parameters.
Personal and Professional Integrity
• Strive to meet the highest standards of performance, quality, service and achievement in working toward the UVUW mission;
• Communicate honestly and openly, and avoid misrepresentation;
• Promote a working environment where honesty, open communications, and minority opinions are valued;
• Exhibit respect and fairness toward all those with whom we come into contact.
Accountability
• Promote good stewardship of UVUW resources, including those that are used to pay agency allocations and grants, operating expenses, salaries, and employee benefits;
• Observe and comply with all laws and regulations affecting UVUW.
• UVUW assets will be not be utilized for non-United Way business without advance permission of either the Finance Committee or the Executive Committee, as appropriate.
Solicitations and Voluntary Giving
• Promote voluntary giving in dealing with all donors;
• Refrain from any use of coercion or personal benefits in fundraising activities.
Diversity and Equal Opportunity
• Value, promote, and embrace diversity in all aspects of UVUW activities, without regard to race, creed, color, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, age, social-economic status, physical challenges, gender, or national origin.
Conflicts of Interest
For UVUW Staff:
• Avoid any activity or outside interest which conflicts or appears to conflict with the best interests of UVUW, including involvement with a current or potential UVUW vendor, grantee, or competing organization, unless disclosed to and not deemed to be inappropriate by the UVUW Board of Directors.
For UWUV Volunteers:
• Should not knowingly take any action, or make any statement, intended to influence the conduct of UVUW in such a way as to confer any financial benefit to themselves, their immediate family members, or any organization in which they or their immediate family members have a significant interest as stakeholders, directors, officers, or employees;
• Disclose all known conflicts or potential conflicts of interest in any manner before the Board of Directors, if they are Board members, or any committee upon which they serve.
Where potential conflicts of interest are identified, UVUW staff and volunteer leadership will work to find suitable resolutions.
Confidentiality
• Ensure that all information that is confidential, privileged, or nonpublic, is not disclosed or disseminated inappropriately.
Any known, suspected, or possible breaches of this Code of Ethics should be disclosed to the Upper Valley United Way Board of Directors for investigation to a prompt and fair resolution.
