[Nfbv-announce] Changes to the NFB Code of Conduct

Sat May 11 02:22:28 UTC 2019

Hi Virginia Federationists,

Implementing policies across a diverse national organization can be
difficult and it is wise to be open to improvements over time. 

In April 2019, the Board of Directors of the National Federation of the
Blind revised the NFB Code of Conduct. 

With the help of President Riccobono, I have prepared   some notes  to
summarize the changes:

1.	The most significant changes are to clarify that the policy extends
to all members and leaders of the organization and that the national
organization has responsibility for conducting investigations of code of
conduct violations. This version of the policy also requires leaders of the
Federation at all levels to disclose conflicts of interest to the national
board for review.
2.	Through this message I am making our members aware of our Code of
Conduct and advising you of the procedures for filing grievances under the
code. Note that the online version of the code provides a link to our online
form, and extension 2475 at our national office can be used for verbal
submissions. Please keep in mind that if you receive knowledge of a
potential violation of the code of conduct, as a leader of the organization,
you are expected to report those incidents to the national organization. We
will ensure that the NFB of Virginia website links to our national Code of
Conduct <https://nfb.org/about-us/history-and-governance/code-conduct> .
3.	Since the national code of conduct applies to all members, our
affiliate specific code of conduct is now retired. Additionally, since the
code of conduct applies to all members, we no longer need to have chapter
and affiliate leaders sign the code of conduct. However, it is important to
share the code of conduct with our members. 
4.	The national board will be implementing training for leaders of the
organization to ensure that we have a qualified pool of individuals to
conduct investigations of alleged code of conduct violations. If you are
interested in participating in such a training, please stay tuned for
training opportunities. In addition we will be increasing our training
opportunities on topics related to the code of conduct, such as sexual
harassment and diversity and inclusion. 
5.	Our current national procedures for investigating alleged code of
conduct violations are being reviewed by both internal experts as well as a
third-party consultant. We are currently using these procedures for active
investigations, but we wanted our experts to review the procedures to ensure
we did not neglect any best practices. When our procedures are ready, our
intention is to make them publicly available so that everyone knows what to
expect in active investigations.
6.	This policy does not eliminate the responsibilities of the Virginia
affiliate board or chapter boards to manage the affairs of the local
organization and to ensure that proper organizational procedures are
followed. This includes taking appropriate actions to address issues within
the affiliate. For example, if our affiliate board becomes aware of a local
chapter member who has taken funds from a local chapter, they need not
initiate a formal investigation by the national organization in order to
take action against the member. However, the affiliate president should
coordinate with the national president in order to ensure that local actions
are properly documented and that members are advised of their appeal rights.
We will be providing further training on these topics in the future. 

We will be addressing questions at our May 18, 2019 board of Directors
meeting. Alternatively, do not hesitate to contact me with questions.

The new code of conduct  is attached and pasted below.

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND CODE OF CONDUCT

I. Introduction

The National Federation of the Blind is a 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. 

II. Diversity Policy

The National Federation of the Blind 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 nationwide organization with state affiliates and local
chapters 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. 

III. Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy

The National Federation of the Blind will not tolerate discrimination on the
basis of race, creed, color, religion, background, 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. 

Sexual harassment is prohibited by state and federal law and also will not
be tolerated by the National Federation of the Blind. 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:

*                     unwelcome inappropriate physical contact or touching;

*                     repeating of sexually suggestive
jokes/references/innuendoes and comments about an individual's body/sexual
prowess/physical attributes/dress;

*                     the use of sexually derogatory
language/pictures/videos toward/about another person;

*                     the use of inappropriate sexual gestures;

*                     sexually suggestive propositions; and

*                     explicit or implicit threats that failure to submit
will have negative consequences.

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.

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.

IV. Social Media and Web Policy

All members of the Federation, but especially officers and board members of
the Federation as well as those in leadership positions such as state
affiliate presidents and their boards, division presidents and their boards,
and local chapter presidents and their boards 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:

*	Promote the mission and branding message of the organization in
comments/posts.
*	Recognize that you are morally and legally responsible for
comments/pictures posted online.
*	Be aware that the audience includes members and nonmembers of the
NFB, both youth and adults, representing diverse cultures and backgrounds.
*	Refrain from using profanity/derogatory/offensive language or making
political endorsements that might reasonably be attributed to the
Federation.
*	Post/respond with integrity. Though you may disagree with a post, be
respectful and factual. Do not fight or air personal grievances online.
*	Do not post materials that are inappropriate for children/minors to
view/share/read.

V. Conflict of Interest Policy

NFB officers, national board members, state affiliate presidents and their
boards, division presidents and their boards, and local chapter presidents
and their boards (hereafter Federation leaders) are expected to take
appropriate responsibility to protect the Federation from misappropriation
or mismanagement of Federation funds (including funds of an affiliate,
chapter, or division in which Federation leaders assume leadership roles).

Federation leaders are expected to disclose the existence of any potentially
conflicting personal financial interest or relationship to the full National
Federation of the Blind Board of Directors and seek its review and approval,
as specified below. For example:

*	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).
*	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).
*	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.
*	In reviewing matters brought pursuant to this section, the officer
or national board member seeking national board review and approval will
refrain from voting.
*	Federation leaders 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.

VI. Policy While Interacting with Minors

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 national officer, national board member, state
affiliate president and their boards, division presidents and their boards,
and local chapter presidents and their boards (hereafter Federation leaders)
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 they consent 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. Federation leaders shall report any inappropriate
interactions between adults and minors to the minor's parents and law
enforcement when appropriate.

VII. Alcohol and Drug Policy

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. 

VIII. Other General Principles

In addition to the other policies and standards set forth herein, national
officers, national board members, state affiliate presidents and their
boards, division presidents and their boards, and local chapter presidents
and their boards (hereafter Federation leaders) shall adhere to the
following standards:

*	Federation leaders shall practice accountability and transparency in
all activities and transactions.
*	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.
*	Federation leaders shall interact with NFB staff in a professional
manner and follow proper channels of authority and communication. 
*	Federation leaders shall positively promote the NFB through verbal
and written communication.
*	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. 

IX. Violations and Complaint Procedure

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
counseling, verbal and/or written reprimand, probation, suspension, or
termination of officer/leadership duties, and/or suspension or expulsion
from the Federation.

*	Any complaint for a violation of this Code of Conduct shall be filed
with the Office of the President. Complaints may alternatively be filed with
the chairperson of the National Federation of the Blind Board of Directors
or an executive officer of the Federation: vice president, treasurer, or
secretary. The 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 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. If the alleged complaint involves the Office of the
President or if there is a conflict of interest by the Office of the
President, a vice president or the chairperson of the board shall be
designated to handle the investigation process as outlined.
*	Complaints and supporting documentation shall be treated as
confidential to the fullest extent possible.   
*	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.
*	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.
*	Any person dissatisfied with the resolution of a complaint may file
an appeal with the National Federation of the Blind Board of Directors,
which may, in its discretion, take such action as it deems necessary. No
national 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 unbiased, impartial, and fair while considering
the matter.

X. Minimum Standard

This Code of Conduct is intended to outline 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. 

XI. Federation Pledge and Acknowledgement of Code of Conduct

I, (Federation leader), 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.

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.  

Last revised: April 4, 2019

Tracy Soforenko

President, National Federation of the Blind of Virginia

202 285-4595

Tracy.soforenko at gmail.com <mailto:Tracy.soforenko at gmail.com> 

www.nfb.org <http://www.nfb.org> 

www.nfbv.org <http://www.nfbv.org> 

National Federation of the Blind. Live the Life You Want

The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends
who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation's blind. Every day we work
together to help blind people live the lives they want.