Catalog of Sample Policies for Pennsylvania's Conservation Districts

Ethics Policy
(National Center for Nonprofit Boards)

We, as ______ Conservation District professionals (staff and board members), dedicate ourselves to carrying out the mission of this organization. We will:

• Recognize that the chief function of the District at all times is to serve the best interests of our constituency.
• Accept as a personal duty the responsibility to keep up to date on emerging issues and to conduct ourselves with professional competence, fairness, impartiality, efficiency, and effectiveness.
• Respect the structure and responsibilities of the board of directors, provide them with facts and advice as a basis for their making policy decisions, and uphold and implement policies adopted by the board of directors.
• Keep the community informed about issues affecting it.
• Conduct our organizational and operational duties with positive leadership exemplified by open communication, creativity, dedication, and compassion.
• Exercise whatever discretionary authority we have under the law to carry out the mission of the organization.
• Serve with respect, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness in carrying out the organization's mission.
  
• Demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, honesty, and fortitude in all our activities in order to inspire confidence and trust in our activities.
• Avoid any interest or activity that is in conflict with the conduct of our official duties.
• Respect and protect privileged information to which we have access in the course of our official duties.
• Strive for personal and professional excellence and encourage the professional developments of others.