I have to admit--I have been in violation of 2 of your codes of conduct. I smoke (will pop out to smoke during a PTA event that I am working at). But if I am there for set up, running a table and then clean up--are you really going to say that I can't go out for a smoke over the course of 5 hrs?
In addition--I will at times use foul language in conversation.
Although I don't drink, and I can sympathize with your current problem--I would tell you to take a hike if you asked me to sign a code of conduct. By the way--I probably put in more volunteer hours than just about anyone in my group. I do the website, enrichment, grants, scrip, etc. So make sure you won't lose some valuable people when you do this. It is good to have diversity in your board and I don't think this will stop your officer from drinking anyway. It seems a little judgemental to me.
After the past few years of nightmare behavior from a SOBER mom, I like the Code idea. We are asked to do a background check when we volunteer. I haven't helped much in the classrooms but voluntarily did the background check. You know just incase I am able to help and/or go on a feild trip but also the Asst. Principal last year appreciated that gesture.
I figured, I have nothing to hide and it shows the school I'm willing to do whatever nessarsary to volunteer.
Below is the code of conduct we created. It is based off of several codes of conducts and codes of ethics from various organizations;
XXX Elementary PTO
Board Member Code of Conduct
This code of conduct has been formulated to clarify the type of conduct that is expected of XXX PTO Board members and officers during their elected year on the Board.
To be elected as a XXX PTO board member you must:.
Be at least 21 years of age.
Participate in volunteer trainings and activities.
Sign and abide by the Code of Conduct and bylaws.
BOARD MEMBERS HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO:
1. Treat everyone fairly within the context of their activity, regardless of gender, place of origin, color, sexual orientation, religion, political belief or economic status.
2. Direct comments or criticism at the activity rather than the person.
3. Consistently display high personal standards and project a favorable image when representing the PTO.
a. Refrain from public criticism of fellow volunteers, students and staff..
b. Abstain from the use of tobacco products while representing the PTO.
c. Abstain from drinking, possessing or be under the influence of alcoholic beverages while representing the PTO.
d. Abstain from the use or be under the influence of illegal drugs while representing the PTO.
e. Refrain from the use of profane, insulting, harassing or otherwise offensive language when representing the PTO.
f. Refrain from personal attack or harassment, either visual, verbal or physical on another person.
g. Attend to your Board duties, as directed, in a timely manner.
BOARD MEMBERS MUST:
1. Act within the law.
2. Be honest and fair.
3. Observe confidentiality in respect of all information gained through your participation as a Board Member.
4. Treat PTO members, volunteers, students, staff and community members with respect.
5. Respect the dignity of others; verbal or physical behaviors that constitute harassment or abuse are unacceptable.
I have read and understand the above statements and agree to conduct myself in a manner that demonstrates the standards established in the XXX PTO Board Member Code of Conduct.
Name of Board member:_________________________________________ (please print)
Signed: _____________Date: _____________________
Failure to abide by the XXX PTO Board Member Code of Conduct, will result in review by the PTO board and possible suspension or dismissal pending outcome.
I understand your concern with this woman's behaviour however, unless the board member will be spending any time alone with children (and they never should) I don't think a background check is the answer. We have a small portion of our area that has the highest concentration of felons in the country. However, most of this comes from felonies like check fraud or some other non-violent crime (gambling town, some people can't deal!). Regardless of their past mistakes, they have the right to be parents and to be involved in their children's lives and by volunteering, they would be taking positive steps to accomplish that. Unless they will be in a position in which they would be alone with a child, I don't see a need for background checks.
Your code of conduct is a positive step in dealing with issues that would be within the present. It would also make it easier to confront a person on unbecoming behaviour.
However, I do not see how you could not confront this person about their behaviour and ask them to step down. That may be the wake-up call that they need to realize they have a problem. Their poor kids! Can you imagine what it must be like at home?
It is our state law to have background checks for school volunteers. If a person does have a record then it is the principals discretion whether he/she can volunteer, for example if a traffic violation comes back (such as out of date tags ) she doesn't see that as a threat to the children. It is all confidental. I made this clear to my volunteers that I trained. If a person was ever been rejected I never did know. I am for background checks. I don't want just anyone hanging around my kids. Everyone employeed by our district has to get one also.
Code of Conduct sounds nice. Can you give more details on how you stated the non-tolerable situations?
Hello, I have posted in the past regarding one of our board members having trouble keeping herself away from the 'bottle'. Now some months later, several hints and blunt acknowledgements by other board members and an embarrassing episode at our first art show, the rest of the board members are ready to take action.
We consulted our school counselor and principal and they gave us some direction.
I have created a Board Member Code of Conduct that is to be signed by current and in-coming board members. Luckily we added these items to our bylaws as they happened to be updated at the same time. It basically a one page oath stating what is expected and not tolorated by being a board member.
Here's the question . . . do most of you make a current practice of giving background checks for your board members? I am considering adding this for the new in-coming board but wanted to get some input. It's hard enough getting folks to be on the board and I realize that even a background check wouldn't have kept this woman from drinking but it may have given her the indication that we are concerned about who runs programs for our kids.
) she doesn't see that as a threat to the children. It is all confidental. I made this clear to my volunteers that I trained. If a person was ever been rejected I never did know. I am for background checks. I don't want just anyone hanging around my kids. Everyone employeed by our district has to get one also.
