Board Adopts Ethics Policy
In recognition of the trust members have placed in their elected Officers, and of the responsibilities Local Officers have toward the membership, the Local Executive Board has adopted a Code of Ethics Policy to help clarify their responsibilities when conflicts of interest arise. The policy is published below.Code of Ethics for South Florida Musicians Association's Board of Directors
Statement of Commitment
In establishing policy for and on behalf of South Florida Musicians Association's members, I am a custodian in trust of the assets of their association. The members recognize the need for competent and committed elected board members to serve their organization and have put their trust in my sincerity and abilities. In return, the members deserve my utmost effort, dedication, and support.
Therefore, as a board member of South Florida Musicians Association, I acknowledge and commit that I will observe a high standard of ethics and conduct as I devote my best efforts, skills and resources in the interest of South Florida Musicians Association and its members. I will perform my duties as board member in such a manner that members' confidence and trust in the integrity, objectivity and impartiality of South Florida Musicians Association are conserved and enhanced. To do otherwise would be a breach of the trust which the membership has bestowed upon me.
Ethical Guidelines
General
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I will always hold the betterment of the membership of the organization as my priority, including during all participation in discussions and voting matters.
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I recognize that I am obligated to act in a manner which will bear the closest public scrutiny.
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It is my responsibility to contribute to the board of directors any suggestions of ways to improve the organization's policies, standards, practices or ethics.
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I will not abuse my position as a board member by suggesting to any organization employee that I am entitled to or expect any special treatment beyond regular members of the organization.
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I will declare any conflict of interest, be it real, potential, or apparent, which is not immediately obvious with regard to any matter being discussed in my presence during a meeting.
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If the board decides at any time during a meeting that I have a conflict, I will accept their request that I refrain from participating in the discussion and I will leave the meeting at the board's request. I understand that the board's decision will be recorded in the minutes, either with or without the reasons for the decision being also recorded
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I understand that the following activities are considered by the organization to be conflicts of interest, and that conflicts of interest are not limited to the following situations:
- where a director makes a decision or does an act motivated by other or additional considerations than the best interests of the organization
- where a director personally contracts with the organization or where he/she is a director of other organizations which are contracting with this organization
- where a director learns of an opportunity for profit which may be valuable to him/her personally or to another organization of which he/she is a member, or to other persons known to the director
- where a director, in any circumstance as related to the organization, puts his/her personal interests ahead of the best interests of the organization
Information
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I will not knowingly take advantage of or benefit from information that is obtained in the course of my official duties and responsibilities as a board member, and that is not generally available to membership
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I will be alert to information which the organization can use to develop improved policies and strategies
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I will protect the organizations information closely and will not release or share confidential information without the permission, preferably in writing, of the person who provided it
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I will maintain confidentiality of all information which the board deems ought to be kept confidential
Resources
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I will be mindful of resources which are in my trust on behalf of the organization, and will help establish policies which ensure the maximization of secure and protected resources
Gifts and Hospitality
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Should business associates or others offer me gifts, favors, or benefits on a personal basis because of the business the organization does with them, I will recognize that such offers may be an effort to secure advantage from me, and I will reject such offers on the basis that it is against the organization's policy to accept gifts from business contacts. The most I will accept will be normal promotional handouts of a nominal value.
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I will not routinely accept the hospitality of others. For example, when meals are taken with business colleagues, I will pay for as many meals as do my colleagues.
Representing the Organization
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As part of my duties as a board member, I represent the organization informally and formally to other associations, societies, government officials, and business representatives. I recognize that it is important that I represent the organization in such a way as to leave others with a positive impression of the organization. In my duties I will preserve and enhance the good reputation of the organization and will avoid behavior which might damage its image.
Interpretation
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The president of the organization shall ensure that the practice of this policy will be fair, just, and equitable in all situations of interpretation and application.
Enforcement
The president is ultimately responsible for immediate application and enforcement of the board members' code of ethics policy. All complaints concerning a possible code of ethics violation shall be made in writing to or by the president with a copy provided to the complainant.
The president shall make an initial determination of the issue and shall attempt initial resolution of the problem with the complainer and the complainant.
If this initial attempt at resolution is not successful, the president shall appoint a tribunal composed of three board members to investigate the complaint. The tribunal is required to investigate as required and submit a written report to the president within 30 days. The president will render his/her decision within ten days of receiving the tribunal's report.
The president's decision may be appealed in writing to the board of directors for consideration at the board's next regular meeting for a final decision. The final decision shall be delivered in writing to the complainer and complainant.
Delegation and Penalties
Should the president be the subject of a written complaint, the vice president shall perform the duties normally assigned to the president in this matter.
Penalties imposed for breach of the code of ethics may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Excluding the director from portions of all future meetings and discussions which relate to the stated conflict of interest, and/or
- censure of the director, in private, in public, or both
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