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Code of Ethics

**LCHS complies with all applicable laws and rregulations regarding non-discrimination and equal opportunity with respect to clients, officers, employees and volunteers.**

LCHS commits to central guidelines and references in support of day-to-day LCHS decision-making and activities.  All Board Members, LCHS Members, and Volunteers are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the following LCHS codes of ethics and standards.  Non-compliance with the policies and agreement may result in termination of LCHS Membership, Board seat and/or volunteer status, as allowed by the LCHS bylaws or LCHS Volunteer Agreement.

Leavenworth County Humane Society is proud to join other animal welfare groups and individuals nationwide in signing the “Pledge for
Humane Discourse and Conduct Within Animal Welfare.”

Member Code of Ethics
By becoming a Member of LCHS, I acknowledge and accept that I have read, I understand and I will support the LCHS Vision, Mission, and Values.  I also understand and accept the following LCHS Member Code of Ethics.  The Member shall:

  • Bring credit to LCHS, and any fund-raising involved, by their public demeanor.
  • Place the LCHS mission above personal gain or aggrandizement.
  • Affirm, through personal giving, a commitment to LCHS and its role in society and the County.
  • Avoid even the appearance of any criminal offense or misconduct, especially in reference to the treatment of animals.
  • Not accept compensation or any other remuneration for LCHS fund-raising or volunteer activities.
  • Advocate within LCHS the adherence to all applicable laws and regulations.
  • Assure all communication with the public conforms with the LCHS vision, mission and values.
  • Refrain from speaking for the organization unless in the form of an approved public communication.
  • Never strike an animal, or handle or treat an animal in such a way that it would be construed as rough or abusive.
  • Accept Member voting rights as a privilege, and use serious consideration in all decision making / voting acts.
  • Treat others with respect even though I may not agree with their position.


Volunteer Code of Ethics and Agreement
The Volunteer shall:

  • Expect from LCHS appropriate training and support to perform volunteer duties.
  • Bring credit to LCHS, and any fund-raising involved, by their public demeanor.
  • Put the LCHS mission above personal gain or aggrandizement.
  • Avoid even the appearance of any criminal offense or misconduct, especially in reference to the treatment of animals.
  • Donate my services to LCHS without thought of potential compensation, other remuneration or benefits, or future employment.
  • Assure all communication with the public conforms to the LCHS vision, mission, and values.
  • Refrain from making public statements on behalf of LCHS unless by way of a LCHS approved public communication.
  • Demonstrate the utmost compassion and care with animals, and never strike an animal, or handle or treat an animal in such a way that may be construed as rough or abusive.
  • Hold LCHS harmless for any injury(s) I might sustain, specifically including the handling of animals, during the course of my volunteer activities.
  • Keep safety at the forefront of all volunteer activities.
  • Hold myself accountable for the volunteer commitments I undertake, and communicate to LCHS if I am unable to perform them or no longer wish to volunteer with LCHS.
  • Recognize that LCHS may terminate my services as a Volunteer at any time.
  • Follow all LCHS rules, policies, and procedures as presented to me.


Fund Raising Code of Conduct
LCHS Members, Friends, and Volunteers shall:

Professional Obligations

  • Not engage in activities that harm LCHS, clients, or mission.
  • Not engage in activities that conflict with their fiduciary, ethical, and legal obligations to LCHS and clients.
  • Effectively disclose all potential or actual conflicts of interest; such disclosure does not preclude or imply ethical impropriety.
  • Not exploit any relationship with a donor, prospect, volunteer or employee to the benefit of the member or LCHS.
  • Comply with all applicable local, county, state and federal, civil, and criminal laws.
  • Recognize their individual boundaries of competence and be forthcoming and truthful about their professional experience and qualifications.

Solicitation and Use of Philanthropic Funds

  • Take care to ensure that all solicitation materials are accurate and correctly reflect LCHS’s mission and use of solicited funds.
  • Take care to ensure that donors receive informed, accurate, and ethical advice about the value and tax implications of contributions.
  • Take care to ensure that contributions are used in accordance with donors’ intentions.
  • Take care to ensure proper stewardship of charitable contributions, including timely reports on the use and management of funds.btain explicit consent by the donor before altering the conditions of a gift.

Presentation of Information

  • Not disclose privileged or confidential information to unauthorized parties.
  • Adhere to the principle that all donor and prospect information created by, or on behalf of, LCHS is the property of LCHS and shall not be transferred or utilized except on behalf of LCHS.
  • When stating fund-raising results, use accurate and consistent accounting methods that conform to the appropriate guidelines adopted by the American Institute of CPAs.

Compensation

  • Not accept compensation that is based on a percentage of contributions; nor shall they accept finder’s fees.
  • Shall take care to discourage LCHS from making payments such as finder’s fees, commissions or percentage of compensation based on charitable contributions.

Donor Bill of Rights

In addition to the above policies, LCHS Board members must sign a Board Contract which defines the Board member responsibilities, and sign a Conflict of Interest disclosure form.