The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for all of our staff, affiliates, sponsors, partners, volunteers, participants, and contractors (NWF community members) when engaging in the NWF community, including at our offices, on our property, and at our programs and events. The following commitment serves as a code of conduct to help NWF community members understand what we expect for them when engaging in the NWF community, as well as guide them on what does not belong.
Shared Values. NWF has shared values of mission focus, collaboration, empowerment, inclusivity, mindfulness, and respect for each other regardless of NWF affiliation. We expect everyone to embody those values when engaging in the NWF community.
Prohibition on Discrimination and Harassment. It is the responsibility of all NWF community members to treat each other with dignity and respect when engaging in the NWF community. NWF does not tolerate harassment, discrimination, bullying, intimidation, abuse of authority, or mistreatment of any individual on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, religious views, or other ground prohibited by applicable law.
Prohibition on Sexual Harassment. NWF further will not tolerate in our community sexual harassment of any kind, including, but not limited to, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, unwanted physical contact, and/or other inappropriate verbal or physical behavior of a sexual nature.
Health and Safety. To help us meet our commitment to safety, if you see something that presents a safety or security concern, or need medical assistance, please approach your supervisor or the nearest NWF team member so we can promptly address the matter — unless it is a life-threatening emergency in which case please call 911. As part of our commitment to ensure the wellbeing of our staff and community members, we generally have a no-weapons policy for all our locations, events, meetings, and convenings, wherever they occur, unless expressly permitted by NWF and only then consistent with all applicable laws.
Drugs and Alcohol Policy. Consistent with NWF policy, NWF prohibits the use, distribution, sale, and transfer of any illicit or illegal drugs while at our offices, on our property, and at our programs or events. Unless designated as youth programs (no alcohol allowed), alcohol may be consumed at NWF functions and events when the custom and occasion are appropriate. However, individuals still must be of legal drinking age and consumption must be moderate. In all cases, individuals who engage in the NWF community must maintain good judgement or the ability to act responsibly and consistent with this commitment policy.
Applicability of Other Policies. NWF staff will seek to share with community members additional policies and expectations if they are implicated in a particular program, event, or activity.
Reporting and Addressing Violations.* If you witness or are subjected to any conduct you believe violates NWF’s Commitment to Shared Values, Respect, and Safety, or any other applicable NWF policies, please seek out your NWF program or event lead to report the incident or concerns. Alternatively, you may contact NWF Human Resources (Robin Martin – Senior Vice President of People) and the Office of the General Counsel (Ben Kota – General Counsel):
Any NWF supervisor or program lead made aware of concerns must promptly notify NWF HR and/or OGC, as well.
NWF will appropriately investigate all reports and maintain confidentiality to the extent possible under the circumstances. NWF encourages reporters to give as many details as possible to assist us with our investigation. NWF then will take prompt corrective action to address substantiated concerns, including, but not limited to, appropriate employee discipline, issuing a warning, removal or dismissal from programs and events, barring future participation, and/or referring a matter to law enforcement.
*If you’re a NWF employee, please refer to the Employee Handbook for more information about staff reporting channels and follow those.
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