Ethics and Code of Conduct Policy
I. Introduction
What is a Code of Conduct? A code of conduct is a set of guiding principles that act as a benchmark for professional behavior. It is a promise to adhere to the values we all share as PTA members such as honesty, respect, responsibility, fairness, and compassion.
II. Organizational values
As a PTA Board member, I promise to abide by the fundamental values that underpin all the activities of this organization and remember that it is all about the children.
A. Integrity and honesty
These will be the hallmarks of all conduct when dealing with colleagues within PTA and equally when dealing with individuals and institutions outside it. As a Board Member, I will treat those I come in contact with, with the same courtesy and consideration I expect from others.
B. Accountability
The activities I perform for the board will be able to stand the test of scrutiny by the members, the general public and I.R.S. and other non-profit regulators if applicable.
I will discharge the duties and responsibilities of my individual office with fidelity and integrity and declare any and all personal and/or extended family conflicts of interest when PTA issues, decisions and funds are involved.
I will not misuse the PTA’s federal tax-exempt status for personal or unauthorized purposes nor disburse funds for any purpose other than authorized, budgeted PTA programs, projects, and activities.
C. Transparency
PTA strives to maintain an atmosphere of openness throughout the organization. Our members decide the course of our organization and we keep them informed at all times.
D. Law, mission, policies
I will not break the law or go against non-profit regulations in any aspect of my role as a board member.
I will support the mission of PTA and consider myself its guardian.
I will abide by and represent our PTA bylaws, the Arkansas PTA policies, positions, procedures and National PTA purposes and mission statement.
III. Conflicts of interest
I will always strive to act in the best interests of the PTA.
I will declare any conflict of interest or any circumstance that might be viewed by others as a conflict of interest, as soon as it arises.
If I am uncertain whether or not a conflict exists I will consult with the executive board and abide by their decision.
As a board member, I shall not use my relation to this PTA for financial, professional, business, employment, personal and/or political gain.
A conflict of interest exists when a board member would have to participate in the deliberation or decision of any issue of this PTA while, at the same time, the board member and/or their extended family has financial, professional, business, employment, personal and/or political interests outside the PTA that would predispose or bias the board member to a particular view, goal or decision.
I shall declare to the officers of the Arkansas PTA any conflicts of interest between my duties of the PTA and my extended families’ interest.
When a conflict of interest is declared, I shall not use my personal influence of position to affect the outcome of the vote and shall leave the room during deliberations and the vote.
The minutes of the meeting shall reflect that a conflict of interest was declared.
IV. Person to person
I will not break the law, go against non-profit regulations or act in disregard of organizational policies in my relationships with fellow board members, school staff, volunteers, fellow PTA members or anyone I come into contact with in my role as PTA Board member.
I will strive to establish respectful, collegial and courteous relationships with all I come into contact with in my role as a PTA Board member.
I will agree to disagree when necessary without anger or rancor.
I will take to my work an attitude of open-mindedness and a willingness to be trained for it and to bring to it interest and attention.
V. Protecting the organization's reputation
I will not speak as a Board member of this PTA to the media or in a public forum without the prior knowledge and approval of the President. However, I still maintain all rights to speak as a private citizen in such forums.
When prior consent has not been obtained, I will inform the President at once when I have spoken as a PTA Board member to the media or in a public forum.
When I am speaking as a PTA board member, my comments will reflect current organizational policy and positions even when these do not agree with my personal views.
When speaking as a private citizen I will strive to uphold the reputation of the PTA and those who work in it.
I will respect PTA, board and individual confidentiality.
I will not share working copies of documents or other organizational information until those materials have been finalized and are available for release to the general public.
When speaking or acting as a Board member of this PTA, I will conduct myself in a manner which does not reflect poorly upon myself, the board, or the national organization.
VI. Personal Gain
I will not personally gain materially or financially from my role as board member, nor will I permit others to do so as a result of my actions or negligence.
I will document expenses and seek reimbursement according to procedure.
I will not accept substantial gifts or hospitality intended for my personal use.
I will use PTA resources responsibly, when authorized, in accordance with procedure.
VII. In the boardroom
I will strive to embody the principles of leadership in all my actions and live up to the trust placed in me by the PTA membership.
I will abide by board governance procedures and practices.
I will strive to attend all board meetings, giving notice ahead of time to the President (Chair) if unable to attend.
I will study the agenda and other information sent me in good time prior to the meeting and be prepared to debate and vote on agenda items during the meeting.
I will honor the authority of the President (Chair) and respect his or her role as meeting leader.
I will engage in debate and voting in meetings according to Robert’s Rules, maintaining a respectful attitude toward the opinions of others while making my voice heard.
I will accept a majority board vote on an issue as decisive and final.
I will maintain confidentiality about what goes on in the boardroom unless authorized by the President (Chair) or board to speak of it.
I will participate in induction, training and development activities for Board members.
VIII. Leaving the board
I understand that substantial breach of any part of this code may result in my removal from the board.
If for any reason, I am unable to fulfill the duties of my position, I will do what is best for the association, even if that means resigning from my position.
Should I resign from the board, I will inform the President (Chair) in advance in writing, stating my reasons for resigning. Additionally, I will participate in an exit interview.