Ethics Policy

ARTICLE I - PURPOSE

1. Purpose. The purpose of this Ethics Policy ("Policy") is to guide Wikimedia District of Columbia directors, officers, employees, and volunteers in their conduct when acting on behalf of Wikimedia District of Columbia.

ARTICLE II - CODE OF ETHICS

1. Responsibility. All Wikimedia District of Columbia directors, officers, employees, and volunteers shall:

(a) Uphold the highest standards of ethical, professional behavior at all times;

(b) Question pending individual and group actions when necessary to ensure that decisions are ethical and are implemented in an ethical manner;

(c) Seek expert guidance if in doubt about the ethical propriety of a situation.

2. Ethical Conduct. Ethical conduct shall include the following:

(a) Serving with dedication, respect, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness in carrying out our mission;

(b) Demonstrating the highest standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, honesty, and fortitude in all our activities;

(c) Honoring our commitments and promises to the best of our abilities;

(d) Conducting organizational and operational duties with positive leadership exemplified by open communication, creativity, dedication, and compassion;

(e) Listening to our stakeholders and make all reasonable efforts to satisfy their needs and concerns within the scope of our mission;

(f) Striving for excellence and innovation and demonstrate professional respect and responsiveness to constituents, donors and others;

(g) Appropriately acknowledging contributions from other individuals and organizations who help facilitate our goals;

(h) Respecting the structure and responsibilities of the Board of Directors, provide it with facts and advice as a basis for making policy decisions, and uphold and implement policies adopted by it;

(i) Measuring the effectiveness of our programs in contributing to or achieving organizational goals;

(j) Respecting the uniqueness and intrinsic worth of every individual;

(k) Treating people with dignity, respect, and compassion to foster a trusting work environment free of harassment, intimidation, and unlawful discrimination;

(l) Assuring an environment of inclusiveness and a commitment to diversity in the organizations we serve;

(m) Developing, administer and advocate policies and procedures that foster fair, consistent and equitable treatment for all;

(n) Respecting and protect privileged information to which we have access in the course of our official duties;

(o) Acquiring and disseminate information through ethical and responsible means;

(p) Ensuring only appropriate information is used in decisions affecting employment relationships;

(q) Investigating the accuracy and source of information before allowing it to be used in employment related decisions;

(r) Not accepting commissions, gifts, payments, loans, promises of future benefits or other items of value from anyone who has or may seek some benefit from Wikimedia District of Columbia;

(s) Not being deceptive in our fundraising activities or in prospecting for new members.

ARTICLE III - REPORTING

1. Reporting. All reports concerning unethical conduct by or within Wikimedia District of Columbia shall be submitted to the Board of Directors.

2. No Retaliation. No Wikimedia District of Columbia director, officer, employee, or volunteer shall engage in harassment or retaliation against any person who submits, in good faith, a report concerning unethical conduct.

3. Review. The Board of Directors shall review each report concerning unethical conduct at the first regular meeting of the Board subsequent to the receipt of said report, and shall determine whether the reported conduct is in violation of this Policy. In the event that the conduct is determined to be in violation, the Board shall take such action as it determines to be necessary under the circumstances.

4. Final Authority. The decision of the Board of Directors with regard to all questions of ethics shall be final and not subject to further review or appeal.