LOWER
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
CONSERVATION COMMITTEE ETHICS POLICY
The Executive
Committee of the Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee (LMRCC) has
accepted this policy as a minimum guideline for ethical conduct and full
compliance with applicable state and federal laws, existing agreements between
the organization and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and other
branches of state and federal government.
1. Faithfully abide by
the Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws and policies of the LMRCC
2.
Exercise reasonable care, good faith and due diligence in LMRCC affairs
3. Fully disclose, at the earliest opportunity, information that may
result in a perceived or actual conflict of interest
4. Fully disclose, at the earliest opportunity, information of fact that
would have significance in Executive Committee decision-making
5. Remain accountable for prudent fiscal management to members, the
Executive Committee, and nonprofit sector, and where applicable, to government
and funding bodies
6. Maintain a professional level of courtesy, respect, and objectivity
in all LMRCC activities
7. Strive to uphold those practices and assist other Executive Committee
members in upholding the highest standards of conduct
8. Exercise the powers invested for the good of all members of the LMRCC
rather than for his or her personal benefit, or that of the nonprofit they
represent
9. Ensure the right of all members to appropriate and effective services
without discrimination on the basis of geography, political, religious, or
socio-economical characteristics of the state or region represented
10. Ensure the right of all members to appropriate and effective
services without discrimination on the basis of the organization’s volunteer
or staff make-up in respect to gender, sexual orientation, national origin,
race, religion, age, political affiliation or disability, in accordance with
all applicable legal and regulatory requirements
11. Respect the confidentiality of
sensitive information known due to Executive Committee service
12. Respect the diversity of
opinions as expressed or acted upon by the LMRCC Executive Committee,
committees and membership, and formally register dissent as appropriate
13. Promote collaboration,
cooperation, and partnership among Executive Committee members
PURPOSE OF ETHICS POLICY
The Lower Mississippi
River Conservation Committee’s (LMRCC) efforts to conserve the natural
resources of the
Lower Mississippi River
ecosystem are supported by individuals, corporations and foundations through
charitable contributions and volunteer effort; by state and federal government
through contracts and grants; and by the general public through state and
federal tax laws. Consequently the LMRCC Executive Committee is committed to:
1. maintaining a high level of public confidence in the organization 2.
increasing support for its programs, and 3.
observing and promoting the highest standards of ethical conduct in the
performance of their responsibilities to the organization. This Ethics Policy
was established to ensure that the LMRCC will: 1. be aware of and comply with
all applicable federal, state, and local laws, and grant conditions (this may
include, but is not limited to, the following activities: complying with laws
and regulations related to fundraising, licensing, financial accountability,
human resources, lobbying and political advocacy, and taxation), and 2.
periodically review the organization’s compliance with known existing legal,
regulatory and financial reporting requirements and provide a summary of the
results of the review to members of its Executive Committee. Appropriate
disciplinary action will be taken against any manager, officer, member, or
other person working on behalf of the LMRCC whose conduct violates the LMRCC
Ethics Policy or applicable federal grant and procurement laws and
regulations.
REPORTING
VIOLATIONS
Violations
of federal grant laws by any member of the LMRCC, the Compliance Agreement
that exists between the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and LMRCC, or
the LMRCC Ethics Policy can be reported to the U. S. Environmental Protection
Agency as follows: