AMENDED CODE OF CONDUCT
For Consideration at FLC.
Fellow Kin
The only issue that I have addressed is the addition of an enforcement clause; to make the
policy more than just words.
I do no believe that the governors themselves need to have this responsibility added to their
duties. Therefore, it is the intent of my addition that we should all be responsible for
policing our own conduct when and if needed, under the direction and criteria of this policy.
To that end I have added the enforcement terms at the bottom of this document with the
intention of creating impartiality and quick response to any conduct issues.
Thank you for your consideration of this addition.
-----------------------------“The Code of Conduct is a set of guidelines intended to support good conduct in Kin for all
members.”
To who does the code of Conduct apply?
The code of conduct applies to all members of District 5 Kin including volunteers.
What is the Code of Conduct?
It is a set of guidelines intended to support professional behavior and decision-making.
In this document you will read about the behavioral expectations that together make up
District 5 Kin Code of Conduct. Not all situations you will encounter are covered, some
situations will be straightforward, while others less so. You are entrusted to use good
judgment in your day-to-day activities and seek further assistance when needed.
Like all organizations, District 5 Kin can be faced with challenges and difficult decisions.
The District 5 Kin Code of Conduct explains the behavior that is expected from our
members and volunteers.
As a District 5 member you are responsible to become familiar with this policy and lead by
example. Regardless of your position, role, or location, this is your responsibility.
Vision
Professional, positive examples of behavior at all times.
Purpose
To provide the public with a vision of professionalism at all times during Kin functions.
Values
Learn, Grow, Make Friends, Have fun
What can you expect in Kin?
-
A safe healthy respectful environment
Fair and equitable treatment
Continuous learning
Protection from discrimination and harassment
What Kin expects from you
- Act with integrity
- Take personal accountability - Show respect
- Exercise sound judgment
- Be proud of Kin Canada
Social Responsibility
- Develop a diverse organization
- Conduct ourselves in a manner that demonstrates polite and respectful attitudes toward
fellow Kin and ALL members of the public.
- Respect and respond to the diversity of our communities.
- Seek products and services that take into account social responsibility.
- Contribute to the well being of the communities we serve and build and maintain
respectful and mutually beneficial relationships with the residents who live there.
- Be accountable for our actions and impacts, responding promptly to incidents or risks
arising from our community projects.
Respectful Environment
All Kin members and volunteers have the right to an environment free from discrimination
and harassment.
This includes discrimination and harassment based on a person’s race, colour, ancestry, place
of origin, political belief, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability,
sex, sexual orientation, age or unrelated criminal conviction.
As a Kin member:
- Treat others how you would like to be treated, with respect, courtesy, fairness and
sensitivity - Do not take part in any form of harassment or discrimination
- Do not be afraid to speak up and be assertive if you feel you are being harassed or
discriminated against.
- The above may constitute a breach in the BC Human Rights code
Theft, fraud, corruption, and non-compliant activities
Kin is committed to fostering integrity in our organization and is opposed to all forms of
theft, fraud, corruption and behavior unbecoming of Kin
As a Kin Member:
- Act honestly, with integrity, in good faith, and safeguard the Kin resources for which you
are responsible
- Report any irregularities in good faith and based on reasonable grounds
- Remember you are our image
Use of Social Media
In District 5 we believe that our members are our most valuable resource. Through their
relationships with people outside the organization, our members add value to the wider
community and provide an open exchange of ideas. Social media offers the opportunity to
connect with our stakeholders in an informal way
As a Kin member participating in social media you should:
-Be mindful of your comments
- Respect yourself and others, do not use slurs, insults, obscenities, or engage in conduct that
is offensive to others
- Do not share anything that may harm your professional integrity or that of others, or that
would compromise Kin Canada’s image
Guidelines for activities that compromise this policy
As there are essentially three times when these issues will likely occur at a District
Level, Zone Level or Club Level I propose the following for consideration.
DISTRICT LEVEL
For any complaints at District Level the Governors shall appoint 3 people at the
beginning of any district event to address any issues that may occur as a result of the
actions of any member or guest that is acting in a manner that is unbecoming of Kin
or in non-compliance to this policy.
At the Zone level the current Zone D.G. shall appoint 3 people to address any issues
that may occur as a result of the actions of any member or guest acting in a manner
that is unbecoming of Kin or in non-compliance to this policy.
At the Club level the President and two members of the club shall address any issues
that may occur as a result of the actions of any member acting in a manner that is
unbecoming of Kin or in non-compliance to this policy.
(the respective “Conduct Committee”)
For District level the three people named for the Conduct Committee shall all be
from different Zones and hold a minimum 7 years membership in Kin and attended
at least 2 FLC’s or Kinventions.
For Zone level the three people named shall have all attended at least one Kinvention
or FLC and each hold 5 years in Kin.
For the Club Level the President shall appoint members of the executive as and
when needed.
For District and Zone events the members of the Conduct Committee will be
identified at the commencement of the event and shall be responsible for receiving
and addressing any reports of member conduct that is unbecoming of Kin.
Should any member of a Conduct Committee receive a report they will hold the name
of the individual bringing the matter to their attention in the strictest confidence.
They will obtain the necessary information to investigate the issue and then they will
meet with the other members of the Conduct Committee.
In the event one of the members is concerned about their connection to the
complaint they may appoint a substitute party to stand in their place. For District
Events this person must be from a Zone not already appointed and must also meet
the other criteria of eligibility for the respective level of consideration.
Upon the conclusion of the meeting the members may do any one of the following,
depending on the level of the complaint at the discretion of the Conduct Committee:
-
Obtain additional information and meet again;
Have one or all three members speak to the party in question;
Give a verbal caution;
Provide a formal letter of warning; or
Give a suspension up to and including the suspension of privileges of Kin and
attendance at District, Zone or Club functions
Should the conduct in question occur outside of a Kin event then it will fall to the
President of the club and executive to address the issue internally.
Should any member receive discipline under these rules that they do not agree with,
they may appeal the decision of the committee to the Governing counsel. Their
appeal must be in writing and submitted within 4 weeks of the disciplinary action to
the District Secretary. The committee will provide a written summary of their
actions when they occur and the entire District Counsel will decide the issue on a
final basis.
District Five Kin encourages you to grow, learn, make friends and have fun while serving
our communities greatest need. Remember, membership is a privilege not a right. Any
violations of this Code of Conduct can result in refusal at District functions, and will be at
the discretion of the District Executive of the day.