Mission

To improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community.

Vision

The United Way of Yellowstone County is the primary community-building organization. We provide leadership to effectively mobilize people, financial and strategic resources to improve people's lives. We identify and address priority needs and provide solutions that achieve measurable results and sustained community change.

Position Statement

For general information about the United Way of Yellowstone County please see our Frequently Asked Questions. The following documents will give you more detailed information on certain questions and issues.
Code of Ethics

OUR CORE VALUES

The mission of United Way of Yellowstone County is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. This critical role requires that all of UWYC Board members, staff, volunteers and representatives who foster such essential public good must assume the responsibility of earning public trust.

Accordingly United Way of Yellowstone County (UWYC) plays a unique role both as a leader in the health and human services sector and as a major resource to partner agencies to build trust through all that we do. This bond of trust goes far beyond legal or regulatory requirements to include our core values, and ethics. To fulfill this special obligation, five core values provide the foundation on which we base our actions and decisions:

INTEGRITY: We act with integrity that inspires the highest truth. We therefore:

· Stand as "one" in the relentless pursuit of instilling and promoting public confidence and trust.
· Maintain the highest standards of excellence and accountability, including prudent use of finances, and fair, accurate and honest disclosures of information.
· Keep our promises. People know that "United Way makes my caring count."

IMPACT: We make a positive difference and have a measurable impact of enduring consequence. We therefore:

· Make a difference in our community and change lives through our efforts.
· Are committed to a United Way that is relevant to its people, its community and the times.
· Assume responsibility as good stewards and are accountable for our work and sustainable results.

VOLUNTEERISM: We have impact and are made relevant through the spirit of volunteerism. We therefore:

· Are outstanding in the way that we invite volunteers to express their philanthropic beliefs (expression of one's "love of humanity").
· Believe that the most effective models of service and excellence are created through the leadership of volunteers.
· Encourage volunteer participation.

INCLUSIVENESS: We are strong only when we are inclusive. We therefore:

· Aspire to involve every segment of the community in our work.
· Act in ways that respect the dignity, uniqueness, and intrinsic worth of every person, the community, the donors, our own Board members, staff, volunteers and representatives.
· Believe in a movement built from the rich diversity and gifts of all people in all systems.

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP: We provide leadership for community building to be a catalyst for positive change. We therefore:

· Are effective educators and facilitators bringing all segments of the community together to promote individual well being and common good.
· Are leaders of a process that multiplies the impact of people's innate desire and capacity to care for one another.
· Help transform visions of compassion and giving into dynamic reality.
UWA Core Values 2003 Board Approved June 24, 2004

CODE OF ETHICS

United Way of Yellowstone County (UWYC) is committed to the highest ethical standards. Based on the unique trust placed in UWYC to serve the public good, we have a special obligation to act ethically. The Code of Ethics is based on our mission and guided by our fundamental core values: Integrity, Impact, Volunteerism, Inclusiveness and Leadership.

The success of the United Way system and our reputation depend upon the ethical conduct of everyone affiliated with our organization. Board members, volunteers, staff and representatives set an example for each other and for partner agencies, by their pursuit of excellence in high standards of performance, professionalism and ethical conduct.
We are mindful that these core values must be clearly articulated, communicated and continuously reinforced. In addition, more detailed policies, guidelines, explanations, definitions and examples are often needed to bring these values into actual practice. While no document can anticipate all of the challenges that may arise, the Code of Ethics values communicate key guidelines and will assist UWYC Board members, staff, volunteers and representatives in making good decisions that are ethical and in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITY: A personal commitment to integrity in all circumstances benefits each individual as well as the organization. We therefore:

· Strive to meet the highest standards of performance, quality, service and achievement in working towards the UWYC mission.
· Communicate honestly and openly and avoid misrepresentation.
· Promote a working environment where honesty, open communication and minority opinions are valued.
· Exhibit respect and fairness toward all those with whom we come into contact.

ACCOUNTABILITY: UWYC is responsible to its stakeholders, which include partner agencies, donors and others in the community who have placed faith in UWYC. To uphold this trust we:

· Promote good stewardship of UWYC resources, including donations, grants and other contributions that are used to pay for community program services, fundraising expenses and operating expenses.
· Refrain from using organizational resources for non-UWYC purposes.
· Observe and comply with all laws and regulations affecting UWYC as a non-profit entity.

SOLICITATIONS & VOLUNTARY GIVING: The most responsive contributors are those who have the opportunity to become informed and involved. We therefore:

· Promote voluntary giving in dealing with donors and vendors.
· Refrain from any use of coercion in fundraising activities, including predicating
professional advancement on response to solicitations.

DIVERSITY & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: UWYC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principle of diversity. We therefore:

· Value, champion and embrace diversity in all aspects of UWYC activities and respect others without regard to race, color religion, creed, age, gender, national origin or ancestry, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation or status as a qualified disabled or handicapped individual.
· Support affirmative action and equal opportunity programs.
· Refuse to engage in or tolerate in any form of discrimination or harassment.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: To avoid any conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest which could tarnish the reputation of UWYC or undermine the public's trust, UWYC Board members, staff, volunteers, and representatives should:

· Avoid any activity or outside interest which conflicts or appears to conflict with the best interest of UWYC, including involvement with a current or potential UWYC vendor, grantee or competing organization unless disclosed to and deemed to be appropriate by the decision-making body who will take the matter to the Board.
· Ensure that outside employment and other activities do not adversely affect the performance of their UWYC duties or the achievement of UWYC's mission.
· Ensure that travel, entertainment and related expenses are incurred on a basis consistent with the mission of UWYC and not for personal gain or interest.
· Decline any gift, gratuity or favor in the performance of UWYC duties except for promotional items of nominal value (under $25). Declines the offer of any food, transportation, lodging or entertainment unless directly related to UWYC business.
· Refrain from influencing the selection of staff, consultants or vendors who are relatives or personal friends or affiliated with or employed by a person with whom they have a relationship that might give the appearance of partiality.

UWYC VOLUNTEERS:

· Should not knowingly take any action or make any statement intended to influence the conduct of UWYC in such a way as to confer any financial benefit on themselves, their immediate family members or any organization in which they or their immediate family members have a significant interest as stakeholders, directors or officers.
· Should disclose all known conflicts or potential conflicts of interest in any matter to the President, CEO or Board President who will take the matter to the Executive Committee or Board. Board members will make their disclosure to the Board, or to the chair of any committee upon which they serve. They will withdraw from the meeting room during any discussion, review and voting in connection with such matter.

CONFIDENTIALITY & PRIVACY: Confidentiality is a hallmark of professionalism. Therefore, we should:

· Ensure that any information which is confidential, privileged or nonpublic is not disclosed inappropriately.
· Respect the privacy rights of all individuals in the performance of their UWYC duties.

POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS:

UWYC encourages individual participation in civic affairs. However, as a charitable organization, UWYC may not make contributions to any candidate for public office or political committee and may not intervene in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. We therefore:
· Refrain from making any contributions to any candidate for public office or political committee on behalf of UWYC.
· Refrain from making any contributions to any candidate for public office or political committee in a manner that may create the appearance that the contribution is on behalf of UWYC.
· Refrain from using any UWYC organizational financial resources, facilities or personnel to endorse or oppose a candidate for public office.
· Clearly communicate that we are not acting on behalf of the UWYC organization. If we are identified as an official of UWYC while engaging in political activities we are doing so as an individual.
· Refrain from engaging in political activities in a manner that may create the appearance that such activity is by or on behalf of UWYC.

GUIDANCE & DISCLOSURE: Board members, staff, volunteers and representatives are encouraged to seek guidance from the Executive Committee concerning the interpretation or application of this Code of Ethics. Any known or possible breaches of the Code of Ethics should be disclosed. Reports of possible breaches will be handled in the following manner:

· All reports of possible breaches will be treated in confidence to the extent that the organization's duty to investigate and the law will allow. If confidentiality cannot be maintained, the individual disclosing the possible breach will be notified.
· All reported breaches will be investigated and, if needed, appropriate action taken based upon the policies of the organization.
· Retaliation against a person who suspects, and in good faith, reports a breach will itself be treated as a separate breach of the Code.
· UWYC affirms prompt and fair resolution of all reported breaches.

CODE OF ETHICS GLOSSARY

Candidate for Public Office: An individual who offers herself or himself or is proposed by others as a contestant for an elected public office, whether such office is federal, state or local.

Contribution, political: Anything of value, including monetary and in-kind gifts, provided for the purpose of influencing the outcome of an election.

Donors: All individuals and entities that make charitable or in-kind contributions to UWYC.

Immediate family members: An individual's spouse, children, parents, siblings, and spouses of children and siblings.

Nonpublic Information: Any business, financial, or personal information, which is not publicly known or available.

Political Committee: Any party, committee, association, fund or other organization organized and operated primarily for accepting contributions to influence the selection, nomination, or election of any individual to any federal, state or local office.

Privileged Information: Information that is protected from involuntary disclosure by legally recognized privileges such as attorney-client, doctor-patient, and others.

Promotional Items of Nominal Value: Gifts used to promote an organization's name, products, or services which have as retail value of $25 or less.

Representatives: Individuals who provide personal services to UWYC as independent contractors, consultants or loaned associates.

Staff: All individuals, who provide services to UWYC as employees or leased employees.

Vendors: Entitles which provide goods and services to UWYC for a fee.

Volunteers: All members of the UWYC Board of Directors and committees appointed by the Board of Directors, who perform their UWYC duties without compensation.

CODE OF ETHICS EXAMPLES

These examples are provided to illustrate how provisions of the Code of Ethics may be applied under certain circumstances. The outcome of any particular situation depends on the facts presented and the language of the Code of Ethics.

HARASSMENT

Situation: Dan is continually teased by his younger co-workers for being an "old geezer" who is out of touch and unable to keep up with the pace of the office.
Solution: This could be considered harassment and is, at least, contrary to maintaining a positive work environment. Joe should tell his co-workers that their behavior is unwelcome and ask them to stop. If it continues, he should bring it to the attention of the President CEO.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Situation: A firm that your father owns is interested in bidding on a contract to supply goods to UWYC.
Solution: You must notify the President CEO. It is important to avoid even the appearance of conflict of interest or favoritism, especially in situations that could appear to benefit you or your family. However, as long as you do not participate in, are removed from the decision making process, and have no influence in the awarding of the contract, he will likely be allowed to submit a bid.

Situation: While at a conference you bump into a representative from a hotel who learns you are planning UWYC's next conference. He invites you to dinner and then offers you tickets for you and your spouse to attend the theater.
Solution: This could be considered a conflict of interest. You should decline any gift or entertainment that exceeds a nominal value of $25.00. Similarly, you should not offer any entertainment or gift to a potential donor or supplier that could be interpreted as attempting to influence their decision regarding UWYC.

SOLICITATION

Situation: Your daughter is in the school band and at your previous job you sold gift wrapping paper for her to your colleagues at work. Can you do that here at UWYC?
Solution: Solicitations are permitted at UWYC provided prior approval is obtained from the President CEO. However, solicitations should be done in such a manner to avoid coercion, whether real or implied, and also to avoid conducting personal business during working time. You should not directly solicit members of the staff over whom you exercise supervisory authority. However, you may solicit in a manner which is non-personal such as posting your request on a bulletin board.

NEPOTISM & FAVORITISM

Situation: Your sister-in-law is graduating at the top of her class from college this spring. You think she would be a great asset to your department at UWYC.
Solution: Favoritism based on family or close personal relationships are unfair to other employees. The appearance that this is favoritism is understandable, even when such situations are harmless. To avoid such an appearance, UWYC employees may not supervise or exercise management authority, directly or indirectly, over staff with whom they have a relationship that may adversely affect impartiality. While it may seem like a mutually beneficial situation to bring your sister-in-law into your department, this may create an awkward or unfair situation for co-workers or other potential employees.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Situation: A reporter from a local newspaper calls you and asks you for your comments concerning UWYC's new fundraising strategy towards its largest donors.
Solution: Although you may want to be helpful, it is important that you do not give out potentially proprietary or confidential information. For your protection and that of the organization, it is necessary that you refer the call to the President CEO.

POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS

Situation: I serve on the UWYC Board. I would like to make a personal donation to my Congressman. Is this something I can do under UWYC's political contribution policy?
Solution: UWYC, as a charitable corporation, cannot legally make political contributions. There is no legal restriction on our volunteer, staff or other representatives. However, in making contributions in an individual capacity, volunteers, staff and representatives should refrain from actions or representations which may imply or create the appearance that the contribution is on behalf of UWYC, such as using of UWCY stationary, name or logo.

UWA Core Values 2003 Board Approved June 24, 2004
Statement of Our Commitment for Inclusiveness & Diversity
Valuing diversity at United Way of Yellowstone County is a strategic priority. Our goal is to maximize the impact we make in our community - a community built upon the diverse talents, cultures, and perspectives of the human race.
To make Yellowstone County a better place for all, we pledge to respect the civil and human rights of people whose race, culture, gender, sexual orientation, age, abilities, beliefs, economic circumstances, or other characteristics are different from our own.
Diversity provides a broader, richer, more fertile environment for creative thinking and innovation. We strive to engage a Board of Directors, volunteers, and staff in our work who reflect the diversity of our community.
To fulfill our commitment, the Board of Directors of United Way of Yellowstone County will review annually all committee and Board members as well as our staff to ensure that they reflect the diversity of our community.
Also we will evaluate annually the participation level and interaction of all committee and Board members to ensure there is meaningful involvement by all volunteers and staff.
Board Approved 01/27/05