Our Actions was founded for the public good. We are always mindful that our ability to achieve this mission relies upon the faith and trust of the general public. As an organization we constantly strive to meet the highest standards of excellence and operate under a code of business and professional ethics that honors our public support. Ethical conduct is part of every employee’s job and a source of public confidence. It is the benchmark against which everyone must ultimately test all decisions.

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Foundation for the Code of Ethics

 

Our Actions has adopted a shared set of core values that give guidance to the organization as to how to achieve our vision. These values provide a standard of expected behavior and a framework for decision-making for the staff, volunteers and partners. They are, therefore, the foundation of our Code of Ethics.

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Who is Responsible for Our Actions Code of Ethics?

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All Our Actions employees are required to adhere to accepted business standards of conduct while on the organization’s premises or engaged in organizational business. We may not engage in any illegal, fraudulent, dishonest, negligent or otherwise unethical action in connection with Our Actions operations or activities.

 

Each of us is responsible for the professional integrity of our own work. We are also responsible for reporting wrongdoing. If a law or organization policy has been broken, all employees have a duty to report this, verbally or in writing, promptly and confidentially through the line of administrative supervision. When the alleged impropriety appears to involve a management employee, reports should be referred to the Senior Vice President of Human Resources or the President/CEO. Reports of suspected financial irregularities should be reported directly to the Chief Financial Officer and President/CEO. Any department supervisor alerted to such an incident must immediately notify the Senior Vice President of Human Resources.

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Stewardship and Accountability

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• Our Actions will ensure that contributions are used in accordance with donors’ intentions.

• Our Actions financial resources will be used only in the furtherance of Our Actions charitable purpose and mission.

• Our Actions will not engage in practices or activities that allow the development of fiscal jeopardy or put the organization’s tax exempt status at risk.

• Our Actions will not compensate fundraising staff based on a percentage of charitable contributions raised.

• Our Actions maintains a set of accounting books and records that comply with Generally

• Accepted Accounting Principles and that are accurate and provide management with timely information relevant to informed decision-making.

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Collaboration

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We believe in the power of community. We collaborate and build strong relationships, based on trust, with and among those who share our vision. We work together to accomplish the vision at the national and local levels, valuing each other’s roles and using an open process and honest communication. We seek out and are responsive to the input and counsel of our partners.

 

• Our Actions recognizes that creating strong community programs requires collaboration across a diverse constituency. That constituency includes the public, government, individual donors, institutions, corporations, members and board members.

• Our Actions will work to build and strengthen relationships with our constituency to support our mission.

• Staff and volunteers will respect and honor the work of our colleagues, recognizing that diminishing an individual diminishes the entire organization.

• Staff and volunteers will support decisions made by Our Actions and work to implement its strategic direction.

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Diversity & Inclusion

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We at Our Actions believe that our commitment to diversity and inclusion is woven into our values and reflected in our Board of Directors, staff, and the people we serve.  We support and actively aim to create an inclusive environment that embraces all, regardless of race, gender identity, experience, economic status, religious affiliation or sexual orientation. We live this value by collaborating with one voice to serve and support our ultimate vision.

 

Respect

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Our Actions staff and volunteers will treat all people: colleagues, stakeholders, the general public and the people we serve, with respect and dignity. Our Actions values its staff and volunteers and respects their diversity, education, training, professional experience and commitment to excellence. Our Actions is committed to the total inclusion and participation of all people in advancing our vision. Our Actions fosters cultural and ethnic diversity. Our Actions will apply confidentiality and anonymity in professional relationships with regard to privileged information.

 

Service

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• Our Actions believes that a fundamental requirement of human service organizations is that service to others comes before self-interest.

• Our Actions is committed to legendary customer service that exceeds the expectations of our constituencies.

• Our Actions will secure the best service and price available for processing and transportation on behalf of its affiliates.

• All product donors will be informed, upon request, in an accurately and timely manner of where their national donations are distributed.

• Our Actions will give donors the opportunity to have their names removed from lists that are sold to, rented to or exchanged with other organizations.

• Our Actions has the responsibility to assist employees in their professional development, including improving technical skills and competencies and acquiring managerial and leadership capabilities.

 

Urgency

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• All product donors can be assured that Our Actions will move products within the donor’s guidelines to the best of Our Actions ability.

• Our Actions will respond to crises and disasters quickly and effectively.

• All financial donors will receive accurate and timely receipts from Our Actions.

• All inquiries, whether internal or external, will be responded to within 48 hours.