NEWBURYPORT ART CODE OF CONDUCT
Our Code of Conduct establishes expectations for the behavior of all persons associated with Newburyport Art (“NAA”), including Board Members, Member Artists, Featured Interest Group Members, Employees and Volunteers (collectively, “NAA Associates”) regarding their interactions with other NAA Associates and the general public. All NAA Associates are expected to comply with all federal, state and local laws and regulations, NAA policies, and our Code of Conduct.
Respect for Others.
NAA Associates are expected to foster a respectful and collaborative environment and avoid offensive language or behavior, initiating or participating in serious verbal or any physical disputes and/or disrupting NAA programs, events or activities. NAA Associates are expected to treat all other NAA Associates and the general public with respect, courtesy and dignity.
NAA is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, as expressed in our value statement. Harassment or disparagement based on an individual’s race, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical ability, neurodiversity, religion, body type, country of origin, age, religion, or socioeconomic background is prohibited. Examples of prohibited acts include, without limitation, verbal harassment (epithets, derogatory or degrading statements or slurs), physical harassment (assault, physical interference with normal work or involvement), and innuendo. Any conduct that creates an intimidating, offensive or hostile environment is prohibited, even if such conduct occurs off NAA property, online or outside of normal work hours.
Communication.
NAA’s Code of Conduct pertains to all types of communications and correspondence, whether verbal, e-mail, or other medium, or in any public forum. NAA Associates are required to support NAA’s position and policies in all communications with other Associates and the public. NAA Associates must be open to communication from other NAA Associates. NAA has an open- door policy.
Compliance with the Law and NAA Policies.
NAA Associates must comply with all applicable laws and NAA policies and support NAA’s compliance with the law and with NAA policies with their actions. Such laws and policies include, but are not limited to, laws and policies against harassment, including sexual harassment; discrimination; intimidation; assault and/or physical violence; and threats of assault and/or physical violence. We expect NAA Associates to be ethical and responsible when interacting with other NAA associates and the public, dealing with NAA finances, art exhibited by the NAA, NAA partnerships and NAA’s public image.
Resolution of Issues.
NAA recognizes that occasionally conflicts, misunderstandings or problems may arise. Although most of these can and should be solved on an informal basis, we have established a formal process to resolve issues that cannot be resolved informally.
5. Complaint Procedure.
a) The NAA Associate should respectfully inform the person who is the source or cause of the problem or concern that a problem or concern exists. The parties involved should attempt to resolve the issue informally and independently.
b) If the NAA Associate does not wish to communicate directly with the person who is the source or cause of the issue or fails to satisfactorily resolve the issue after discussing it with that person, the NAA Associate should contact the NAA Executive Director or the President or Vice President of the NAA Board of Directors. Contact information for these individuals can be found on the NAA website. NAA Associates should feel free to report any such issues without fear of retaliation or reprisal.
c) The Executive Director or the NAA Board of Directors, as appropriate, will promptly investigate any complaint made under this Code of Conduct. It is expected that NAA Associates will act responsibly and truthfully in making complaints, responding to complaints and providing information and/or otherwise cooperating in an investigation.
Any NAA Associate who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in conduct in violation of this Code of Conduct will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or termination of employment, membership, ambassadorship and/or other affiliation with NAA, or volunteer assignment.
All complaints will be treated as confidentially as possible.
NAA will not retaliate against any NAA Associate who files a complaint in good faith, or who participates in good faith in an investigation of a violation of this Code of Conduct.
This Code of Conduct will be reviewed and updated annually by the NAA Executive Director and Board of Directors.
Last reviewed and updated 12-12-2024