New York State Marine Educators Association (NYSMEA) Code of Conduct

Preamble:

The New York State Marine Educators Association, hereinafter referred to as NYSMEA, is a local branch of the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA). NYSMEA was founded in 1975.

NYSMEA is dedicated to making the world of water, both fresh and salt, known. NYSMEA has a long, rich history of convening people to promote professional excellence in marine education and related environmental issues. NYSMEA values diversity, respect, collaboration, accessibility, participation, integrity, and transparency, and strives to ensure that these values are reflected in all its interactions. Members of NYSMEA come from a wide variety of backgrounds in the marine education field, which adds to the inherent richness of an organization with nearly 200 members.

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to outline core principles that encourage constructive discourse, respectful interactions, and the creation of a positive environment where our members and friends can promote and support ocean literacy, making the world of water, both fresh and salt, more accessible.

This Code of Conduct applies to all members in respect of their activities and communications on behalf of or in connection with NYSMEA, and all communications among NYSMEA members and with members of the public, whether written, oral, electronic, or otherwise.

All participants in NYSMEA-sponsored events, including speakers, attendees, volunteers, students, and guests, are expected to adhere to this Code of Conduct.

Statement of Non-Discrimination:

NYSMEA is an equal opportunity organization and does not discriminate in the offering of membership, the hiring and the firing of its employees and consultants, and the administration of its programs and activities, based on protected characteristics, including but not limited to race, color, religion, gender, age, nationality, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military record, and citizenship.

Principles of Conduct:

NYSMEA members understand that the advancement of NYSMEA’s mission hinges on our ability to communicate openly and thoughtfully with others, critique and challenge one another with respect and integrity, and be willing to change and grow. NYSMEA members and those who participate in NMEA events are expected to display conduct that is consistent with the following principles:

§  Principle 1 – Engage in open and constructive dialogue to promote NYSMEA’s mission.

§  Principle 2 – Treat others with respect and dignity.

§  Principle 3 – Maintain high ethical standards, good judgment, and integrity.

Acting consistent with Principles of Conduct demands more than complying with laws, regulations and policies; it also means pursuing organizational objectives with integrity and thinking through the potential impacts of decisions and actions.

There will be occasions where the Code of Conduct does not explicitly address certain situations. In such circumstances, NYSMEA members must use appropriate judgment in determining the right thing to do. When faced with an ethical dilemma or an uncertain situation, it can be helpful to ask the following questions:

§  Would my action or decision comply with applicable federal, state and municipal laws and regulations?

§  Is it consistent with our values as well as the spirit of the Code of Conduct?

§  Would I be proud to tell someone I respect (e.g. colleagues, friends or family) about my actions?

§  Will I be guilt-free after I do this?

§  Would I be comfortable seeing it posted on social media or on the news?

§  Would I be okay with someone treating me the same way?

If the answer is no to any of these questions, it may not be the right thing to do and a different direction should be considered. If the Code of Conduct does not have the answer needed, NYSMEA members should consult with the Executive Committee, who will either provide additional guidance or refer to the relevant policy, procedure or company resource.

Prohibited Conduct:

There are certain behaviors that are directly at odds with NYSMEA’s mission and Principles of Conduct, have the potential to cause NYSMEA and its members harm, and may, in certain instances, constitute a violation of law. While NYSMEA cannot control the conduct of its members and those who participate in its sponsored activities, it wishes to send a clear message about conduct that is not appropriate. While it is not feasible to list all the ways our Code of Conduct may be violated, examples include, but are not limited to:

§  Physical or verbal abuse of any member, or any meeting attendee, speaker, volunteer, exhibitor, service provider, partner organizations, or other guest. This speaks to all modes of communication (emails, phone calls, meetings, etc.)

§  Engaging in harassment, including sexual harassment, of other members, or any meeting attendee, speaker, Board member, volunteer, exhibitor, service provider, or other guest (e.g., repeated use of derogatory or sexually explicit language, epithets or slurs; displaying explicit images or videos; stalking; engaging in unwelcome physical contact; making unwanted sexual advances, propositions or demands);

§  Disruption of talks, poster sessions, or social functions (e.g., yelling at the presenter, engaging in hostile or threatening behavior);

§  Disrespectful treatment of conference venue staff or violating conference venue rules.

§  Falsifying a ticket or other document or gaining unauthorized entry into an NYSMEA-sponsored or co-sponsored event.

§  Plagiarism or infringement of intellectual property.

§  Disclosing confidential information concerning other members, or any meeting attendee, speaker, volunteer, exhibitor, service provider, or other guest.

§  Engaging in unauthorized communications on behalf of NYSMEA or making intentional misrepresentations to others concerning NYSMEA; and

§  Any form of criminal conduct, which may include spending organization funds without seeking prior approval from the Board, not returning organizational property, or intentionally behaving to slander another person to disrupt the mission and purpose of the organization.

§  Consumption of alcohol or other substances is not an excuse for unacceptable behavior.

Reporting Prohibited Conduct:

NYSMEA encourages any person who has been subject to or witnessed any behavior they believe is inappropriate or contrary to this Code of Conduct to bring the matter to the attention of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors promptly.

The Executive Committee will review reports of inappropriate conduct and will handle them with respect for the privacy of those involved to the extent possible.

Depending on the nature of the complaint, the Executive Committee may conduct an internal investigation, which may include speaking with the individuals involved and reviewing available documents and other relevant records. Any investigation will be conducted confidentially to the extent possible, given the circumstances. The Executive Committee will endeavor to address the matter promptly.

Anti-Retaliation

NYSMEA members who retaliate against individuals who report concerns in good faith will be subject to a disciplinary process, up to, and including, termination.

Consequences of Prohibited Conduct:

If the Executive Committee concludes that there has been a violation of this Code of Conduct, it will seek to craft a resolution that addresses the matter constructively. While an appropriate resolution will vary with the circumstances, some examples may include:

§  a verbal or written warning.

§  being asked to leave the meeting.

§  being asked to step down from a committee or board position.

§  being placed on probation as a member; or

§  being removed from membership.

Any questions concerning this Code of Conduct should be addressed to the Executive Committee.

External Communications

NYSMEA uses a variety of channels to communicate information to the public, including news releases and social media. Because the unauthorized or inappropriate release of information to the public may cause confusion or lead to reputational damage, NYSMEA has designated individuals who are trained, qualified and authorized to release information to the public. Unless NYSMEA members are authorized spokespersons, they should not speak on behalf of NYSMEA or respond to news broadcasts, media inquiries, articles, or public comments.

On social media, whether using an NYSMEA-owned or personal communications device, NYSMEA members are viewed as representatives of the organization during both work and non-work hours. NYSMEA members must use good judgment while on social media sites, follow the Code of Conduct and all applicable social media policies, and remember not to speak on behalf of NYSMEA unless authorized.

Confidential Information

Information about NYSMEA and its operation that is generally not known or available to the public is “confidential.”

In their roles at NYSMEA, members may have access to confidential information relating to fellow members, partner organizations, or even proprietary information about NYSMEA operations and processes. NYSMEA members have a responsibility to protect and not disclose such information (other than as necessary in carrying out their duties). The responsibility to protect confidential information also applies to work NYSMEA members may have done before joining NYSMEA and continues even after employment ends.

The ways in which NYSMEA members can protect confidential information include:

§  Balance “open communication” with “the need to know and share.”

§  Shred information or dispose of it securely.

§  Check the recipients of an email before sending, or make sure to upload the right files to the right destination.

§  Respect and comply with privacy policies and legislation.

Remember: Confidential or proprietary information of NYSMEA, colleagues, or other parties gained during employment at NYSMEA may not be used for personal advantage or to benefit third parties during or after the affiliation ends.

Our Commitment to Respecting Member Privacy

NYSMEA respects and protects individuals’ rights to privacy and the protection of their personal data. Personal information is defined as any information that could be used to identify someone, either directly or indirectly, such as name, social insurance number, address, or date of birth. Personal information does not include NYSMEA contact information.

We will collect, use and disclose NYSMEA member personal information only to the extent necessary for which we require members’ personal information or unless otherwise required by law.

NTD: Given that NYSMEA has its social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram), our understanding is that there is/are person(s) in charge of the SNS posts.