Rogue River Institute

Purpose

To ensure that the Rogue River Institute (RRI) fulfills its mission and pursues its vision in an exemplary manner and in accordance with its beliefs and the highest standards of ethical conduct, the Board of Directors has adopted this Code of Conduct. This Code should be read with RRI’s mission in mind and with the understanding that they are an integral part of all the organization’s policies.

All participants of RRI meetings and events– including, but not limited to, board meetings, fundraisers, camping, and rafting excursions – are expected to abide by this Code of Conduct. This Code of Conduct applies to all venues, including ancillary events and social gatherings, and online forums and discussions associated with the organization.
RRI values the diversity of views, expertise, opinions, backgrounds, and experiences reflected among all Officers, Board Members, Volunteers, Participants, and Aides. We are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all participants of RRI events. This Code of Conduct is important to promoting diversity and creating an inclusive, supportive, collaborative, and safe environment for all people.

Compliance with Code of Conduct

Each Officer, Board Member, Volunteer, Participant, and Aide of the organization shall receive a copy of this Code of Conduct and certify that they have read the Code of Conduct and agrees to comply with all standards and requirements set forth herein.

Expected Behavior

All actions by RRI’s Officers, Board Members, Volunteers, Participants, and Aides, including all dealings among them and with grantees, regulators and others, shall be characterized by honesty, integrity and fairness in all respects.

• Treat all people with kindness, respect, and consideration, valuing a diversity of views and opinions (including those you may not share).
• Communicate openly, with respect for others, critiquing ideas rather than individuals.
• Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech.
• Always maintain professional and respectful behavior.
• Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants. Alert RRI staff if you notice a dangerous situation or someone in distress.
• Respect the rules and policies of the event venues, meeting rooms, RRI-contracted facility, or any other venue.
• Follow the direction of event organizers.

Confidentiality of Information

Officers, Board Members, and Volunteers owe a duty of loyalty to the organization. This duty of loyalty requires each person to respect the confidentiality of information gained during their activities. No representative of the organization shall make personal use of information received while serving.

It is specifically understood that the duty of confidentiality includes (but is not limited to) the duty to keep confidential any sensitive information, including but not limited to, personal phone number, address, date of birth, disability, medications, etc.

Unacceptable Behavior

Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination in any form. Harassment includes speech or behavior that is not welcome or is personally offensive. Behavior that is acceptable to one person may not be acceptable to another, so use discretion to be certain respect is communicated. Harassment intended in a joking manner still constitutes unacceptable behavior.

Examples of unacceptable behavior include, but are not limited to:

• Physical or verbal abuse.
• Unwelcome or offensive verbal comments or exclusionary behavior related to age, appearance or body size, employment or military status, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, individual lifestyle, marital status, national origin, physical or cognitive ability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, race, or religion.
• Inappropriate physical contact.
• Refrain from inappropriate public displays of affection (this includes prolonged kissing (making out), prolonged hugging, or other intimate physical contact ‘groping’).
• Unwanted sexual attention.
• Use of sexual or discriminatory images in public spaces or in presentations.
• Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following.
• Harassing photography or recording.
• Bullying behavior.
• Retaliation for reporting unacceptable behavior.
• Alcohol or drug use at RRI events.

Political Activities

No Officer, Board Member, Volunteer, Participant, Aide, or Independent Contractor shall, in the name or on behalf of RRI will (i) participate or become actively involved in any political campaign or in any other types of political activities or (ii) provide financial support for, or make contributions to or for the benefit of, any political candidate, political party, or political action committee or provide financial support for any other political objective.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Officers, Board Members, Volunteers, Participants, and Aides may participate, on behalf of RRI, in self-defense lobbying relating to potential regulation of private foundations, provided: (i) the Board is advised of the nature of such participation in advance and (ii) such activities are permissible under the Internal Revenue Code. RRI also recognizes that each of its Officers, Board Members, Volunteers, Participants, Aides, and Independent Contractors has the right as a citizen to become involved in his or her individual capacity in the political process. Any such political participation, involvement or support must be carried out or provided only in such person’s individual capacity.

Compliance

It is the policy of RRI to comply fully with, and to require its Officers, Board Members, Volunteers, Participants, Aides, and Independent Contractors to comply fully with all laws, rules, and regulations of governmental agencies or authorities.

Reporting Unacceptable Behavior

Anyone experiencing or witnessing behavior that constitutes an immediate or serious threat to public safety at any time should contact local law enforcement (by calling 911) and immediately notify RRI staff.

If you are not in immediate danger but feel that you are the subject of unacceptable behavior, have witnessed any such behavior, or have other concerns, please notify an RRI staff member (as soon as possible) who can work with appropriate RRI leadership to resolve the situation. All reports will be treated seriously and responded to promptly.
To report incidents virtually, you can email info@rogueriverinstitute.org.

Once RRI is notified, two or more board members will discuss the details first with the individual filing the complaint, then any witnesses who have been identified, and then the alleged offender before determining an appropriate course of action. Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent that it does not compromise the rights of others.

Consequences

Anyone requested to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately. If they do not comply with the request, they will be asked to leave the meeting or event and may not be invited back to future RRI meetings/events.

RRI staff (or their designee) may take any immediate action deemed necessary and appropriate, including contacting law enforcement or removal from the meeting or event without warning.