Volunteer Code of Conduct
What is the Asha Code of Conduct?
In conjunction with our Core Values, the volunteer Code of Conduct is a set of principles and expectations for how volunteers operate that includes guidance on:
- Volunteer relationships, behaviors, and communications
- Governing policies and laws for a volunteer activity
- Documentation of acceptable volunteer behavior
Why Implement a Code of Conduct?
Asha for Education currently has about 1,000+ volunteers around the world and we need a framework to meet their needs and manage expectations. The Code of Conduct is a tool for understanding and upholding acceptable, safe, and respectful standards across our community of volunteers. These rules reflect our Core Values.
Having a Code of Conduct protects you as a volunteer and helps build the right environment for all volunteers to do their best and have the greatest impact.
Asha for Education Code of Conduct
This Asha for Education Code of Conduct aims to ensure that volunteers start with a common understanding of volunteer standards. Volunteers are expected to uphold the Code of Conduct at all times when carrying out their duties and interactions.
The code will be a supplement to local laws, Asha’s Core Values and Bylaws, and any other policies and procedures adopted by the ARC.
Volunteer Professional Standards
Asha for Education volunteers should:
- understand and follow the purpose, structure, and policies of Asha for Education.
- act in the best interest of Asha for Education and not for personal or third‐party gain.
- abide by the rules and guidelines of Asha for Education, including those defined in its Constitution, Bylaws, Core Values, and any other policies and procedures adopted by the ARC.
- obey all applicable national, state, province, or local laws and regulations.
- conduct the affairs of Asha in good faith and with honesty, and integrity.
- act in an informed and professional manner when representing Asha for Education in any capacity, including performing assigned duties in a timely manner
- acknowledge the efforts and contributions of fellow volunteers.
- treat their fellow volunteers with the dignity and respect deserving of an equal peer working in a non-hierarchical democratic organization.
- be courteous and respectful of other volunteers’ opinions and ensure that even the smallest voices are heard.
- be open, respectful, and honest in communication and discussion
- not engage in or facilitate any discriminatory or harassing behavior directed toward Asha volunteers, event/meeting attendees, project partners, donors, sponsors, vendors, or others relating to Asha
- keep secure and not misuse Asha property or resources or allow any unauthorized person to have or use such property. Asha for Education’s property could include anything created by the volunteer, in the course of volunteer service, with Asha for Education in mind, or using Asha’s time, equipment, information, or materials.
Prohibited Activities
Activities outlined below are strictly prohibited:
- Discrimination of sex, race, age, disability, color, creed, national origin, religion, or genetic information, and any other protected characteristic
- Abusive language towards a volunteer, project partner, donors, or others relating to Asha
- Possession or use of illegal drugs at Asha for Education meetings or events or reporting to an event or program while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Bringing onto Asha for Education’s event premises dangerous or unauthorized materials such as explosives, firearms, weapons, or other similar items.
- Disrespect of a volunteer’s opinion, active suppression of others’ voices, and personal attacks on Asha volunteers, event/meeting attendees, project partners, donors, sponsors, vendors, or others relating to Asha
- Verbal, physical, or sexual harassment of volunteer, project partner, donors, or others relating to Asha.
- Actual or threatened violence toward any individual or group.
- Conduct endangering the life, safety, health, or well-being of others. Exceptions may include Team Asha programs, such as Team Asha Climb, that are properly documented and insured (where applicable).
- Bullying or taking unfair advantage of any project partner or other beneficiary.
Breach of Code of Conduct
Any volunteer who violates this Code may be barred from volunteering with Asha for Education, in whole or in part, for any period of time, following the procedures outlined in Asha for Education’s Bylaws.
The Conflict Resolution Guideline provides a general, very high level, a framework for the Board of Directors to address any Breach of Code of Conduct.