Points to Ponder #05-11

POINTS TO PONDER
Issue 05-11

 From CSFC President Helen Zajac

CATEGORY:  Membership     August 29, 2005

Subject:  NARFE Code of Ethics

Note:  Delegates to NARFE’s 29th Biennial National convention in Reno, NV, voted to establish a Code of Ethics for all elected and appointed officials.  The procedures printed here are in six sections and provide guidance for addressing acts or actions that are deemed incompatible with the best interests of NARFE.  These are taken from the Quarterly News, Volume 2, Number 2, dated April 2005.

Procedures:  National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association Code of Ethics and Conduct for Elected and Appointed Officials of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association.

Preamble:  The proper operation of this Association requires that all elected and appointed officials be fair, impartial and responsible to the members, and that members have confidence in the integrity of the Association.

            In recognition of these goals, there is hereby established a Code of Ethics and Conduct for all elected and appointed officials.  The purpose of this document is to establish ethical standards of conduct for all such officials by setting forth guidelines for addressing those acts or actions that are incompatible with the best interests of the Association.

1.  DEFINITIONS:  For purposes of this document, the following terms shall have the meanings specified:

Officials.  Any elected or appointed officers of a Chapter, Federation or Region and National Resident Officers.

Private advantage/benefit gain, etc.  As used in this document, means any personal advantage, benefit or economic gain, distinct from that enjoyed by members of the public without regard to official status or not resulting from lawful and proper performance of duties. 

Association refers to the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association.

2.  AVOIDANCE OF IMPRESSIONS OF CORRUPTIBILITY:  Officials shall conduct their duties so as not to give a reasonable basis for the impression that such official can be improperly influenced in the performance of his/her official duties. Such officials should conduct themselves so as to maintain public confidence in their performance and the Association they represent.  They should not be a source of embarrassment to the Association and should avoid even the appearance of conflict in the conduct of their Association duties.

3.  IMPROPER ACTIVITIES:  No official shall engage in any enterprise or activity which shall result in the following:

Using the prestige/influence of his/her office for private gain or advantage to himself/herself or another.

Using facilities, equipment or supplies of the Association for personal gain or advantage for himself/herself or another

Using official information not available to the general public for his/her private gain or advantage or that of another.

Receiving or accepting, directly or indirectly, any gift or favor from anyone doing business with the Association under circumstances from which it reasonable could be inferred that such was intended to influence him/her in the performance of his/her official duties, or as a reward for official action.

 4.  IMPROPER USE OF OFFICIAL POSITION:  No Association official shall use his/her position or the power or authority of his/her office or position in any manner intended to induce or coerce any person to provide, directly or indirectly, anything of value which shall accrue to the private advantage, benefit or economic gain of the official or any other person.  This section does not apply to campaign contributions solicited or received consistent with federal, state or local laws.

5.  PENALTIES FOR NONCOMPLIANCE-NO NEW LEGAL RIGHTS:  In addition to any other penalty provided by law, violation or any provision of this document by any Association official shall be a basis for disciplinary action including removal from his/her official position.  Alleged violations will be addressed by an Ad Hoc Committee appointed by the National President on an as-needed, case-by-case basis.  The committee will be composed of three persons:  a chapter officer, a federation officer and a national field vice president who shall serve as chairman.  Committee findings shall be reported to the National Executive Board with recommendations as to action to be taken.

6.  CODE OF ETHICS SUPPLEMENT EXISTING LAW:  This document is intended as an addition to and supplement of federal, state, and local laws relating to the subject matter addressed herein.  No provision in this Code of Ethics shall be construed to weaken or reduce other standards of official conduct, specific or implied, contained in the Association’s Bylaws.

Helen Zajac
CSFC President
 

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