<html>
<body>
<blockquote type=cite class=cite cite=""><br>
Greetings, fellow federationists,<br>
In the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota, we believe in
helping all blind people live the lives they want, and we do so
regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, or
anything else someone might attempt to use to divide us. We do not
discriminate, and we want all blind people to know they are welcome here.
In addition, our leaders hold themselves to a high, ethical standard of
behavior so that we can represent the organizationand all blind
peoplewith integrity and treat one another with respect.<br>
I am pleased to announce that the board of directors of the National
Federation of the Blind of Minnesota has adopted an official code of
conduct that makes these expectations clear. You will find that code of
conduct below, along with my signature as president of the National
Federation of the Blind of Minnesota.<br>
I am honored to be part of an organization that believes in the potential
of all blind Minnesotans and promises to treat everyone with
dignity.<br>
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.<br>
Warm regards,<br>
Ryan Strunk, President<br>
<br><br>
<h1><b><a name="OLE_LINK7"></a>NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF
MINNESOTA CODE OF CONDUCT</b></h1><a name="OLE_LINK7"></a><br>
<br>
<br><br>
<h2><b>I. Introduction</b></h2><br><br>
The National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota is part of a nationwide
community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of
the nation’s blind. The Federation knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back. To help carry out the Federation’s
vital mission, this Code of Conduct sets forth policies and standards
that all members, especially Federation leaders, are expected to adopt
and follow. <br>
<br><br>
<h2><b>II. Diversity Policy</b></h2><br><br>
The National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota embraces diversity and
full participation as core values in its mission to achieve equality,
opportunity, and security for the blind. We are committed to building and
maintaining a statewide organization with local chapters and divisions
that is unified in its priorities and programs and is directed by the
membership. We respect differences of opinion, beliefs, identities, and
other characteristics that demonstrate that blind people are a diverse
cross section of society. Furthermore, the organization is dedicated to
continuing to establish new methods of membership and leadership
development that reflect the diversity of the entire blind community. In
promoting a diverse and growing organization, we expect integrity and
honesty in our relationships with each other and openness to learning
about and experiencing cultural diversity. We believe that these
qualities are crucial to fostering social and intellectual maturity.
Intellectual maturity also requires individual struggle with unfamiliar
ideas. We recognize that our views and convictions will be challenged,
and we expect this challenge to take place in a climate of tolerance and
mutual respect in order to maintain a united organization. While we
encourage the exchange of differing ideas and experiences, we do not
condone the use of demeaning, derogatory, or discriminatory language,
action, or any other form of expression intended to marginalize an
individual or group. The National Federation of the Blind does not
tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion,
gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin,
citizenship, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, or any
other characteristic or intersectionality of characteristics. <br>
<br><br>
<h2><b>III. Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment
Policy</b></h2><br><br>
The National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota will not tolerate
discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender
identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin,
citizenship, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, or any
other characteristic or intersectionality of characteristics. Harassment
on the basis of any of these characteristics similarly will not be
tolerated. Although this Code of Conduct establishes a minimum standard
prohibiting discrimination and harassment, nothing in this Code should be
interpreted to limit in any way a person’s right to report abuse or
harassment to law enforcement when appropriate. <br>
Sexual harassment is prohibited by state and federal law and also will
not be tolerated by the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota.
Complaints of harassment may be lodged by a female against a male, by a
female against a female, by a male against a male, or by a male against a
female. Sexual harassment is defined as “unwelcome sexual advances,
request for sexual favors, sexually motivated physical contact, or other
verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature.” The
following conduct is either considered conduct that by itself is sexual
harassment, or that has the potential risk of causing sexual harassment
to occur, and this conduct is therefore prohibited:<br>
·
unwelcome inappropriate physical contact or touching;<br>
·
repeating of sexually suggestive jokes/references/innuendoes and comments
about an individual’s body/sexual prowess/physical attributes/dress;<br>
·
the use of sexually derogatory language/pictures/videos toward/about
another person;<br>
·
the use of inappropriate sexual gestures;<br>
·
sexually suggestive propositions; and<br>
·
explicit or implicit threats that failure to submit will have negative
consequences.<br>
<br><br>
<a name="_Hlk504545973"></a>Under this policy, harassment can be verbal,
written, or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or
aversion toward an individual because of his or her race, color,
religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression,
national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, genetic
information, or any other characteristic protected by law; or that of his
or her relatives, friends, or associates, and that a) has the purpose or
effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment; b)
has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an
individual’s performance or involvement in the organization; or c)
otherwise adversely affects an individual’s opportunities for
participation/advancement in the organization.<br><br>
Harassing conduct includes epithets, slurs, or negative stereotyping;
threatening, intimidating or hostile acts including bullying; denigrating
jokes; and written or graphic material that denigrates or shows hostility
or aversion toward an individual or group that is placed on walls or
elsewhere on the organization’s premises or circulated by email, phone
(including voice messages), text messages, social networking sites, or
other means.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br><br>
<h2><b>IV. Social Media and Web Policy</b></h2><br><br>
All members of the Federation, but especially officers and board members
of the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota as well as those in
leadership positions such as chapter and division presidents, should
follow these recommended guidelines when making comments online, posting
to a blog, using
Facebook/Twitter/LinkedIn/YouTube/Pinterest/Instagram/similar tools,
and/or using other platforms that fall under the definition of social
media:
<ul>
<li>Promote the mission and branding message of the organization in
comments/posts.
<li>Recognize that you are morally and legally responsible for
comments/pictures posted online.
<li>Be aware that the audience includes members and nonmembers of the
NFB, both youth and adults, representing diverse cultures and
backgrounds.
<li>Refrain from using profanity/derogatory language.
<li>Post/respond with integrity. Though you may disagree with a post, be
respectful and factual. Do not fight or air personal grievances online.
<li>Do not post materials that are inappropriate for children/minors to
view/share/read.
</ul> <br><br>
<h2><b>V. Conflict of Interest Policy</b></h2><br><br>
Each NFB of Minnesota officer, board member, or chapter or division
president (hereafter Federation leader) is expected to take appropriate
responsibility to protect the Federation from misappropriation or
mismanagement of Federation funds (including funds of the affiliate,
chapter, or division in which the Federation leader assumes a leadership
role).<br>
Each Federation leader is expected to disclose the existence of any
potentially conflicting personal financial interest or relationship to
the full National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota Board of Directors
and seek its review and approval, as specified below. For example:
<ul>
<li>A Federation leader must seek board review and approval of his or her
receipt of salary or compensation of any kind from the Federation
(including an affiliate, chapter, or division).
<li>A Federation leader must seek board review and approval of receipt by
his or her spouse, parent, child, sibling, or other close relative of
salary or compensation of any kind from the Federation (including an
affiliate, chapter, or division).
<li>A Federation leader must seek board review and approval of any
ownership interest exceeding 5 percent in or of any salary, compensation,
commission, or significant tangible gift from any commercial venture
doing business or seeking to do business with the Federation (including
an affiliate, chapter, or division). This process will also apply to the
review of such interests involving spouses, parents, children, siblings,
or other close relatives.
<li>In reviewing matters brought pursuant to this section, the officer or
board member seeking state board review and approval will refrain from
voting.
<li>Each Federation leader shall take appropriate steps to avoid
unauthorized or inaccurate appearances or official endorsement by the
Federation (including an affiliate, chapter, or division) of any product,
service, or activity that has not been so endorsed. For example, because
the Federation never endorses political parties or candidates for elected
office, any Federation leader participating in the political process must
take care to avoid creating an appearance of official Federation
endorsement.
</ul> <br><br>
<h2><b>VI. Policy While Interacting with Minors</b></h2><br><br>
For purposes of this Code of Conduct and consistent with most legal
standards, a minor is any individual under the age of eighteen. While
interacting with any minor, a state officer, board member, or chapter or
division president (hereafter Federation leader) shall recognize that a
minor cannot legally give consent for any purpose even if said minor is
verbally or otherwise expressing consent. For example, a minor may say
that he/ or she consents to physical interaction. However, such consent
is not valid or legal and should not be accepted. A parent or guardian
must be informed and consulted about any action requiring consent from
the minor. A Federation leader shall report any inappropriate
interactions between adults and minors to the minor’s parents and law
enforcement when appropriate.<br>
<br><br>
<h2><b>VII. Alcohol and Drug Policy</b></h2><br><br>
Although alcoholic beverages are served at some Federation social
functions, members and Federation leaders may not participate in any such
functions in a condition that prevents them from participating safely and
from conducting Federation business effectively or that might cause
embarrassment to or damage the reputation of the Federation. The
Federation prohibits the possession, sale, purchase, delivery,
dispensing, use, or transfer of illegal substances on Federation property
or at Federation functions. <br>
<br><br>
<h2><b>VIII. Other General Principles</b></h2><br><br>
In addition to the other policies and standards set-forth herein, state
officers, state board members, and chapter and division presidents
(hereafter Federation leaders) shall adhere to the following
standards:<br>
<ul>
<li>Federation leaders shall practice accountability and transparency in
all activities and transactions.
<li>Federation leaders shall foster a welcoming environment at NFB
meetings, events, and conferences that is a cooperative and productive
atmosphere for all members and nonmembers.
<li>Federation leaders shall interact with NFB staff in a professional
manner and follow proper channels of authority and communication.
<li>Federation leaders shall positively promote the NFB through verbal
and written communication.
<li>Whenever possible, Federation leaders and members are strongly
encouraged to handle conflicts or complaints involving other members
privately, directly, and respectfully. Nothing in this standard is
intended to limit a Federation leader’s or member’s right to pursue
organizational change through appropriate methods or to limit anyone’s
right to file a complaint for violation of this Code when necessary.
</ul> <br><br>
<h2><b>IX. Violations and Complaint Procedure</b></h2><br><br>
Violations of this Code of Conduct, after first being established through
the process set-forth below, are subject to disciplinary action by the
Federation. Such disciplinary actions may include but are not limited to
counselling, verbal and/or written reprimand, probation, suspension or
termination of officer/leadership duties, and/or suspension or expulsion
from the Federation.
<ul>
<li>Any complaint for a violation of this Code of Conduct shall be filed
with the state president. The state president shall appoint a committee
of no more than four persons to investigate the complaint and provide a
recommendation for action or lack thereof. The committee shall be
comprised of persons not directly involved in the matters being raised
and who can be completely unbiased about the individuals and issues
addressed in the complaint. Every effort shall be made to appoint a
committee reflecting the broad diversity of individuals in the
Federation. The state president shall inform the national President in a
timely fashion of any complaints filed and report on the resolution of
such complaints.
<li>Complaints shall be treated as confidential in order to protect the
identity and reputation of the person about whom the complaint is filed
and the person filing the complaint.
<li>All complaints shall be filed as promptly as possible. Except under
extreme circumstances, no complaint shall be accepted or investigated
after a year from the time of the alleged violation of this Code.
<li>Complaints that turn out to be false and used for the purpose of
harassing, intimidating, or retaliating against someone will be subject
to the same kind of disciplinary action enumerated above.
<li>Any person dissatisfied with the resolution of a complaint may file
an appeal with the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota Board of
Directors, which may, in its discretion, take such action as it deems
necessary. If a person is still dissatisfied, such person may raise the
matter to the national board of directors, which may, in its discretion,
take whatever action it deems necessary. No national or state board
member shall participate in the consideration of an appeal under this
Code if such board member is the subject of the complaint or if such
board member cannot be completely unbiased, impartial, and fair while
considering the matter.
</ul> <br><br>
<h2><b>X. Minimum Standard</b></h2><br><br>
This Code of Conduct is intended to recite a minimum set of standards
expected of Federation members. It sets forth the spirit that the
Federation expects of all of its participants toward each other and
toward those who work with the Federation at all of its levels. It is
intended to be interpreted broadly to instill a respectful, cooperative,
and welcoming spirit in members and in the activities of the Federation.
<br>
<br><br>
<h2><b>XI. Federation Pledge and Acknowledgement of Code of
Conduct</b></h2><br><br>
I, Ryan Strunk, pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the
National Federation of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and
security for the blind; to support the policies and programs of the
Federation; and to abide by its Constitution. I further acknowledge that
I have read this Code of Conduct and that I will follow its policies,
standards, and principles.<br>
<br><br>
<br>
Note: The Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind
unanimously adopted this Code of Conduct on January 26, 2018. In adopting
this Code, the Board expressed its clear intent that this Code shall be
reviewed annually or at any other time as necessary. <br><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Ryan Strunk, President<br>
<a href="mailto:president@nfbmn.org">president@nfbmn.org</a><br>
<a href="http://www.nfb.org/" eudora="autourl">www.nfb.org</a><br>
<a href="http://www.nfbmn.org">www.nfbmn.org</a><br>
(612) 872-9363<br>
Live the life you Want.</blockquote><div id="DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2"><br />
<table style="border-top: 1px solid #D3D4DE;">
<tr>
<td style="width: 55px; padding-top: 13px;"><a href="http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient" target="_blank"><img src="https://ipmcdn.avast.com/images/icons/icon-envelope-tick-green-avg-v1.png" alt="" width="46" height="29" style="width: 46px; height: 29px;" /></a></td>
<td style="width: 470px; padding-top: 12px; color: #41424e; font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Virus-free. <a href="http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient" target="_blank" style="color: #4453ea;">www.avg.com</a>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a href="#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2" width="1" height="1"> </a></div></body>
</html>