Code of Conduct
The Ethics Hotline is operated by an independent company that specializes in handling call of this type. It operates 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week, and translation services are available at all times.
Ethical standards based on Nation Community Action Partnership
Community Action Ethical Standards
Our Community Action movement is inextricably tied to the aspirational vision established at the founding of the Community Action movement in 1964:
“It is, therefore, the policy of the United States to eliminate the paradox of poverty in the midst of plenty in this Nation by opening to everyone the opportunity for education and training, the opportunity to work, and the opportunity to live in decency and dignity.”
We in Community Action are guided by our history and the Community Action Promise:
Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.
To fulfill the Community Action Promise and the impact we seek we are personally and professionally committed to:
Remain Focused on Mission
Recognize the chief function of the Community Action movement at all times is to serve the best interests of people with lower incomes which, in turn, serves the best interests of the entire community. Seek to empower people and revitalize communities. Engage in activities that move us closer to mission achievement and further our positive outcomes.
Be Outspoken Advocates and Educators
Actively inform the community and decision-makers about issues affecting those with lower-incomes. Courageously confront and dismantle myths about social and economic inequality. Participate in promoting policies that support social and economic mobility, which reinforce the values of an equitable society.
Inspire Confidence and Trust in the Community Action Movement
Lead and serve with professional competence and be up to date on emerging issues in our field. Practice the highest standards of personal integrity, confidentiality, respect, honesty, and fortitude in all we say and do. Bravely confront any behavior or practice that could erode public trust in Community Action or disregard the struggle of people living with low incomes.
Practice Service Above Self
Acknowledge service to the mission, vision and collective values of Community Action is beyond service to oneself. Avoid real and perceived conflicts of interest and ensure undue personal gain is not realized from the performance of professional duties.
Be Leaders, Support Leaders, and Create Leaders
Actively engage people with low incomes in realizing and developing their own leadership skills. Respect and support other leaders, particularly the Community Action board of directors, by providing facts and advice as a basis for policy decisions and upholding and dutifully implementing policies adopted by the board. Personally practice open-mindedness, effective communication, inclusiveness, and self-care. Encourage and facilitate the professional and personal development of associates.
Strive for Performance Excellence
Habitually opt for moving beyond mere compliance. Exercise our influence to inspire excellence through implementation of best practices, maximizing efficiencies, practicing innovation, providing outstanding, trauma-informed customer service, and honestly and robustly evaluating the outcomes of our work.
What is the Ethics Hotline?
CAPMC launched the Ethics Hotline for team members and the public to anonymously report violations and misconduct. The Agency investigated all credible reports and protects reporters from retaliation. The reporter's identity is safeguarded to prevent harm and comply with the law.
Identified reporters will receive confirmation and, typically, the outcome of their report. Concerns about accounting, internal controls, or audits are referred to the Board of Directors' Finance Committee.
Reports can be made through:The Ethics Hotline
A Supervisor
The Human Resources Director
The Executive Director
Identified reporters will receive confirmation and, typically, the outcome of their report. Concerns about accounting, internal controls, or audits are referred to the Board of Directors' Finance Committee.
Reports can be made through:
Complaint Procedure
Step 1: Discuss the Issue
Discuss the issue with the person which you have an issue or concern within 30 days of the incident. If the individual with whom you have an issue/concern with is unable to resolve the matter to your satisfaction, proceed to step two.
Step 2: Request a Complaint Form
Request a Parent/Community Complaint Form from a supervisor, manager, or Human Resources Director. Within seven days, complete and submit the Complaint Form to the individual’s supervisor. The supervisor will schedule a meeting to discuss the matter and submit in writing a resolution of the issue/concern of the complaint. If no satisfactory resolution has been reached, proceed to step three.
Step 3: Request a meeting with Program Manager
Request a meeting with the Program Manager within 5 days of your meeting with the supervisor. The Program Manager shall issue a written response to you within five days after the meeting. If no satisfactory resolution has been reached, proceed to step four.
Step 4: Request a meeting with CAPMC's Executive Director
Request a meeting with Community Action Partnership of Madera County, Inc’s Executive Director within five days of receiving the Program Manager’s decision. The Executive Director shall issue a written response to you within 10 days after the meeting. (All materials, documents shall be forwarded to the Executive Director for review.) If no satisfactory resolution has been reached, proceed to step five.
Step 5: Request a hearing before the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors
Request a hearing before the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors within five days of receiving the Executive Director’s decision. (All materials and documentation shall be forwarded to the Executive Committee for review.)
Upon conclusion of the hearing (not to exceed five working days) the Executive Committee will respond in writing to you and the concerned parties advising you of their final decision. If no satisfactory resolution has been reached, proceed to step six.
Step 6: Request that the issue be brought to the attention of the full Board of Directors
Request that the issue be brought to the attention of the full Board of Directors by submitting a written request to the Chairperson of the Board within 3 days of receiving the Executive Committee’s decision. You must state the problem and the desired solution. The Board of Directors will hear the complaint and render a decision within 5 days of the hearing. (All materials and documents shall be forwarded for review.)
Business Conduct Guide
As team members are expected know and comply with CAPMC policies, each one receives the Business Conduct Guide. This document details our expectations regarding conduct, and guides team members to make the right decisions.
Report Concerns
It is every team member’s responsibility to understand the guidelines contained in the Business Conduct Guide, to act responsibly, and to report unethical or illegal business practices.
File a Complaint
This process provides a structured approach for resolving concerns within the organization.
