Page 3 - Mission Vision Values

COMMUNITY ACTION CODE OF ETHICS

We, as Community Action Professionals, dedicate
ourselves to eliminating poverty in the midst of plenty in

this nation by opening to everyone the opportunity for
education and training; the opportunity for work; and the
opportunity to live in decency and dignity; and with respect

for cultural diversity, commit ourselves to:

h Recognize that the chief function of the Community Action movement at all times is to

serve the best interests of the poor, thereby serving the best interests of all people.

h Accept as a personal duty the responsibility to keep up to date on emerging issues

and to conduct ourselves with professional competence, fairness, impartiality,
efficiency, and effectiveness.

h Respect the structure and responsibilities of the board of directors, provide them

with facts and advice as a basis for their making policy decisions, and uphold and
implement policies adopted by the board of directors.

h Keep the community informed about issues affecting the poor; facilitate

communication by the poor with locally elected public officials and the private sector.

h Conduct our organizational and operational duties with positive leadership

exemplified by open communication, creativity, dedication, and compassion.

h Exercise whatever discretionary authority we have under the law to promote the

interests of the poor.

h Lead the Community Action movement with respect, concern, courtesy, and

responsiveness, recognizing that service to the poor is beyond service to oneself.

h Demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, honesty, and

fortitude in all our Community Action activities in order to inspire confidence and trust
in the Community Action movement.

h Serve in such a way that we do not realize undue personal gain from the

performance of our professional duties.

h Avoid any interest or activity that is in conflict with the conduct of official duties.
h Respect and protect privileged information to which we have access in the course of

official duties.

h Strive for professional excellence and encourage the professional development of our

associates, including those seeking to become certified Community Action professionals.