Voice of the People

Code of Ethics

Last Revised: December 16, 2024

1. Purpose
   The relationship between an affiliate of the Voice of the People Council (hereafter referred to as “Council Affiliate”) and Voice of the People should be founded on trust, integrity, and honesty. The purpose of this Code of Ethics is to outline the ethical standards expected of all Members of Voice of the People and participants in Council meetings and activities. 
   
   
2. This Code of Ethics applies to all:
   (i) council members;
   (ii) fellows;
   (iii) facilitators;
   (iv) honorary members;
   (v) committee members;
   (vi) advisors, observers, and invitees to Council meetings;
   (vii) professional staff who participate in these activities;
   (viii) mentors;
   
   The term “Council Affiliate” will refer to any of the above.
   
   
3. Core Principles
   The following core principles guide the actions and behavior of Voice of the People:  (i) Honesty and Ethical Conduct (ii)Integrity (iii)Open Communication (iv) Active listening (v)Courtesy, Respect, and Dignity(vi)
   
   
4. Civil Discourse:
   Members should engage in respectful and constructive dialogue, with robust debate encouraged. Personal differences or disagreements should never escalate or cause harm to others.
   
   
5. Committee of Ethics
   A Committee of Ethics will be formed to oversee adherence to this Code of Ethics. The Committee will be appointed by the Chair of the Board of Voice of the People in consultation with the Executive team and will consist of affiliates, professional staff and Steering Committee members representing diverse viewpoints from within the Jewish community. The Committee will handle inquiries and complaints related to violations of this Code.
   The Ethics Committee may receive complaints directly or through the Secretary-General or other designated staff. All complaints will be thoroughly investigated and addressed in accordance with the ethical principles outlined in this Code. The Committee will provide the council with reports on the outcomes of all matters.
   
   
6. Confidentiality and Internal Information
   Council Affiliates are expected to maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive or internal information disclosed in the course of their work. No Council Affiliate shall disclose such information to anyone outside of the Council unless required by law or for official purposes. Confidentiality is essential to ensure trust and integrity in all operations.
   
   
7. Social Media Sharing Any content, updates, or materials related to the council’s work or processes that an individual wishes to share on social media must first be approved by the group as well as the professional staff of Voice of the People. This ensures that all communications reflect the collective intentions and align with the council’s values and guidelines.
   
   
8. Intellectual Property
   All intellectual property (IP) created through the work of the Council is the exclusive property of Voice of the People. Council Affiliates are prohibited from using this IP for personal benefit or sharing it with any third party without explicit authorization from the professional staff of Voice of the People. To safeguard IP and confidential information, Council Affiliates may be required to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). Additionally, Council Affiliates must respect the intellectual property rights of external parties and refrain from any unauthorized use or distribution.
   
   
9. Gifts and Conflicts of Interest
   Council Affiliates should avoid any personal rewards, gifts, or other privileges that could be perceived as influencing their duties within the Council. Additionally, Council Affiliates must disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may arise in the course of their work. This includes, but is not limited to, any financial, personal, or familial relationships that could be seen as influencing the Council Affiliate’s decisions or actions.
   
   
10. Harassment
    Voice of the People strictly prohibits all forms of harassment, including but not limited to sexual harassment, virtual harassment, verbal abuse, or any form of discrimination. Allegations of harassment will be taken seriously, investigated promptly and impartially, and addressed in accordance with organizational procedures, applicable local laws, and international standards. Individuals found to have engaged in harassment may face disciplinary actions, up to and including removal from the Council and, where appropriate, legal action.Upon receiving a complaint, Voice of the People, in consultation with a Legal Advisor, will ensure that the complaint is examined. In the case of a complaint regarding employees, the case will be treated according to Israeli law and Voice of the People’s regulations. Following the examination, it will be reported to the Ethics Committee and a report provided to the council.
    
    
11. No Retaliation
    Voice of the People supports and encourages Council Affiliates to report any unethical or illegal activity. No retaliation will be tolerated against any Council Affiliate who, in good faith, reports misconduct or assists in an investigation related to a violation of this Code. The organization will ensure that all such reports are treated with the utmost confidentiality and respect.
    
    
12. Nonpartisanship
    Voice of the People remains nonpartisan and is committed to serving the Jewish community independently of political affiliations and existing organizations. This nonpartisan stance ensures that decisions and actions are taken solely in the best interest of the Jewish community worldwide.
    
    
13. Reporting Violations
    Any Council Affiliate who becomes aware of a violation of this Code of Ethics or has concerns about unethical conduct should report it to the Ethics Committee. Reports may be made through the Secretary-General or directly to the Chair of the Ethics Committee. For those who prefer, reports may also be submitted anonymously.
    
    
14. Amendments
    This Code of Ethics may be amended or updated as necessary to address emerging challenges or evolving best practices. Any amendments will be made after consultation with the Voice of the People’s board and other relevant stakeholders. 

This document represents the foundational ethical guidelines of Voice of the People, fostering an environment of transparency, trust, and collaboration for the betterment of Jewish people worldwide.

Voice of the People’s professional team may be contacted at:  info@voiceofthepeople.org.il.

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