Key West Botanical Garden Society Code of Ethics and Behavioral Expectations

POLICY:

As duly elected members of the Board of Directors of KWBGS, we will serve with transparency and inclusivity.

It is the expectation of KWBGS and its Board of Directors that all employees and volunteers will conform with these standards as well.

TO ACT AND COMMUNICATE HONESTLY

in all internal and external verbal and written communications. We will speak with each other and not about each other.

TO BE LAW ABIDING
TO RESPECT THE DIGNITY AND RIGHTS OF EMPLOYEES, VOLUNTEERS AND VISITORS

Employees shall be provided with copies of all pertinent policies and procedures, including this policy. Volunteers shall be provided with copies of this policy as well as any training materials deemed appropriate.

TO RESPECT THE DIGNITY AND RIGHTS OF EACH OTHER AND KWBGS

We will assume best possible motives. We will engage in intentional listening and avoid interrupting each other. We will make decisions openly. A Director shall recuse him/herself if an issue provides conflict on a personal level. We will abide by decisions made and speak as a Board with one voice.

TO BE FAIR WITH VENDORS, CREDITORS, MEMBERS, VOLUNTEERS, DONORS, GRANTORS AND THE COMMUNITY

Demographic, financial and personal information shall be treated as confidential. (This does not include reports or information shared publicly as part of a specific KWBGS policy or as such disclosure is required by law.) Members shall be given the option to restrict information shared with other members. No membership or donor lists shall be sold or shared with other organizations.

TO BE OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

The Board shall annually review and evaluate the Mission Statement to ensure that it continues to serve the Garden, the local and regional communities, and the flora and fauna scientific communities.

TO HONOR THE MISSION OF KWBGS

All actions undertaken by the Board shall further the Mission. We will avoid conflicts of interest or any actions not perceived to be in the best interests of KWBGS and/or the Garden.

TO ABIDE BY THE APPROPRIATE ETHICS PROCEDURE

If Directors, employees, volunteers, members or visitors have a grievance, we urge those directly involved to try to resolve it with each other. A KWBGS Ethics Committee shall hear all complaints as necessary and provide support and resolution in conformity with the Behavioral Issue Resolution Process, herewith attached.

Approved by the Key West Botanical Garden Society Board of Directors on 04/13/2017.