Code of Conduct

The Jefferson County Food Bank Association (JCFBA) is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all our volunteers, employees, clients, and community partners. This code of conduct outlines the required behavior of all individuals involved in our organization to ensure a positive and productive work environment.

It is the expectation of the Board that all Board members, volunteers, and employees will sign this document and agree to abide by it.  For the privilege of representing JCFBA in its mission to serve our community it is mandatory that all Board members, volunteers, and employees sign this document and agree to abide by it. Failure to sign or abide by the Code of Conduct could lead to action up to termination of employee or volunteer.

Commitment to Mission: Uphold the mission and values of the Jefferson County Food Bank Association:  JCFBA serves county residents by providing food to those in need, in an equitable manner, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex.  ethnic origin. religious affiliation, age, or mental or physical ability, while maintaining an attitude and atmosphere that recognizes the dignity of each individual.

Civility:

• We treat each other with kindness, courtesy, and consideration. This includes using respectful language, avoiding personal attacks, and resolving disagreements constructively.

• We create a positive and encouraging environment where everyone feels comfortable communicating openly and honestly, without fear of reprisal.

• We expect differences of opinion and even conflict.  Change and improvement rarely occur without it.  We can disagree respectfully.

• In times of disagreement, we work toward consent and collaboration.

Confidentiality:

• We maintain the confidentiality of all client information in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. This includes not sharing any personal information outside the organization without the client's informed consent.

• We also respect the confidentiality of internal organizational information and avoid sharing it with individuals outside of the organization. Information about Board discussions that have not been resolved and are not ready to be made public -- including those relating to Board policies, procedures, and conflicts -- should be kept within the Board.

• The Executive Director or their designated spokesperson is the one authorized to speak to the community and the press.

Respect: 

• We value diversity and inclusion. We expect all individuals to treat each other with respect, regardless of their background, beliefs, or opinions. This includes avoiding unlawful discrimination, harassment, bullying, and any other form of disrespectful behavior.   Sexual harassment, violence, and threats of violence are not allowed.

• Bullying may rise to the level of harassment and is prohibited.  Bullying is defined as unwelcome or unreasonable behavior that demeans, intimidates, or humiliates people, either as individuals or as a group.  Bullying behavior is often persistent and part of a pattern, but it can also occur as a single incident. Examples of bullying behavior include but are not limited to abusive and offensive language, insults, teasing, and spreading rumors.

Good Listening:

• The JCFBA includes many groups of volunteers and a few employees working together as a team.  It is imperative that we listen to our teammates and be responsive to the needs of others.

Safety and Security: 

• We are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all. This includes following safety protocols, reporting any unsafe conditions or incidents immediately, and adhering to appropriate physical and digital security measures.

• Volunteers may be asked to complete paperwork or complete a background check for certain volunteer or employee roles.  Failure to complete these requirements may disqualify a person from serving in a particular role.

Drug-Free and Alcohol-Free Workplace

• To help ensure a safe, healthy, and productive environment for our volunteers and others, to protect JCFBA property, and to ensure efficient operations, JCFBA has adopted a policy of maintaining a Food Bank environment free of drugs, alcohol, and cannabis. This policy applies to all volunteers, employees, and other individuals who perform work for the JCFBA.

Outcomes:

• It is up to all of us to uphold the Code of Conduct.  If you see a problem, first try to resolve it with the person involved.    Concerns that cannot be easily resolved should be reported to the Food Bank Manager or other Supervisor, then to the President and/or Executive Director.

• The JCFBA Board may initiate an investigation to gather information from all parties before deciding on a plan of action.

• The JCFBA will deal with each situation individually.  JCFBA reserves the right to impose whatever discipline it chooses, or none, in a particular instance. JCFBA will endeavor to utilize progressive discipline but reserves the right in its sole discretion to terminate the volunteer or employee.

This code of conduct is a living document and may be updated from time to time. We encourage all individuals to review it regularly and to ask questions if they have any concerns. By adhering to these standards and working together, we can create a positive and productive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

Last Updated: 2/29/2024