NNN Code of Ethics

NNN CODE OF ETHICS

Code of Ethics for NNN Members

NNN is providing a network and platform for humanitarian organizations within Nicaragua to communicate, collaborate and to share knowledge, experience and resources for the benefit of Nicaragua. NNN is not a governing body but this Code of Ethics will be used to determine if a member of NNN is qualified to be a member or has operated outside the boundaries for membership within NNN

NGOs have the responsibility to be transparent, honest, accountable, and ethical, to give out accurate information, and to not manipulate situations for the personal benefit of their boards and staff. NGOs have a calling to go beyond the boundaries of race, religion, gender, identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, culture and politics. They have the obligation to respect each person's fundamental human rights. In short, NGOs have the responsibility to dedicate themselves for the sake of others and do so according to the highest code of ethical conduct.

All NGOs, even the most sincere and selfless, can benefit from a code of ethics and conduct that systematically identifies ethical practices and acceptable standards. The adoption and internal enforcement of a suitable code not only provides an ethical check for an NGO; it also serves as a statement to beneficiaries, donors and the public that the NGO takes seriously the importance of maintaining high standards. Such a code can assist stakeholders in identifying and avoiding "pretenders" and irresponsible NGOs.

The umbrella term "NGOs" encompasses a broad, kaleidoscopic diverse grouping of nonprofit organizations, which espouse have a variety of agendas, causes, and ideologies, and differ in size, resources, and organizational level. For the purposes of the Code of Ethics for NGOs, an NGO is considered in its broadest context: a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization. The term non-profit is used in the sense of "not-profit-distributing"that in that any profits are invested back into the public mission of the organization for accomplishment of the mission., and are not distributed for the benefit of the board, staff or shareholders - thus distinguishing the NGO sector from the business sector. NGOs may range in size from in the definition are large, international organizations and to small, one-person operations., those that are secular as well as those that are faith-based, and both membership and non-membership groups.

Sustainable progress, peace, and justice require that all organizations contribute to the common good. Thus, an NGO should integrate self-development and service to others, balancing individual and public concerns, focusing on higher, broader, and more public levels of service.

An NGO’s  should recognize that its conduct and activities impact on the public's perception of NGOs in general and that it shares responsibility for the public's trust of NGOs.

An NGO should be willing to work beyond borders of politics, religion, culture, race and ethnicity, within the limits of the organizing documents and with organizations and individuals that share common values and objectives.

Human Rights and Dignity

An NGO should not violate any person's fundamental human rights with which each person is endowed. An NGO should recognize that all people are born free and equal in dignity. An NGO should be sensitive to the moral values, religion, customs, traditions, and culture of the communities they serve.

Religious Freedom

An NGO should respect religious freedom, regardless of the religion. 

Transparency and Accountability

NGOs should strive for openness and honesty internally and toward donors and members of the public. Periodic accountings should be made. An NGO should be transparent in all of its dealings with the government, the public, donors, partners, beneficiaries, and other interested parties, except for personnel matters and proprietary information.

An NGO should be accountable for its actions and decisions, not only to its funding agencies and the government, but also to the people it serves, its staff and members, partner organizations, and the public at large.

Truthfulness and Legality

An NGO should be honest and truthful in its dealings with its donors, project beneficiaries, staff, membership, partner organizations, government, and the public in general, and should respect the laws of any jurisdiction in which it is active.

An NGO should fulfill its obligations under the laws of Nicaragua in which it is organized or works, and must be strongly opposed to, and not be a willing partner to, corruption, bribery, and other financial improprieties or illegalities.

An NGO should take prompt corrective action whenever wrongdoing is discovered among its staff, governing body, volunteers, contractors, and partners. 

Mission & Activities

An NGO's mission is its raison d'etrereason for existence-the reason or purpose why the NGO exists and what it hopes to accomplish. NGOs have an obligation to clearly identify and articulate their mission. This well-defined mission should serve as the foundation and frame of reference for all activities and organizational planning of the NGO. An NGO has an obligation to utilize its resources in an effective and efficient manner toward accomplishment of its stated purpose.

Public Trust

Trust is the lifeblood foundation of an NGO -– to trust by the public, trust by the the media, trust by the government, trust by corporations, trust by donors, trust by other NGOs, trust by beneficiaries, and trust by its employees and to those who volunteer their time. To develop and maintain trust, each an NGO should exhibit genuine public accountability and transparency, and should be honest in the information that it makes available to the public.publishes.

Fundraising

In order to fund their operational and program costs and reach their objectives, most NGOs raise funds from outside their organization, via seeking voluntary financial support from foundations, corporations, individual donors, and government agencies. However, such financial support is not simply the movement of money from these sources to the NGO. It is a two-way street, involving value for and obligations to the donor. As a recipient of such funds, it is important that the NGO be open and transparent, be accountable to the donor, use the funds responsibly and according to the intent of the donor, and allow the funding individuals and organizations to be able to have insight into the project at all times. It is important that the fundraising activity also be consistent with the mission of the NGO.

Relationship with Donor

The directors, management, staff and volunteers of the organization should not exploit any relationship with a donor or prospective donor for personal benefit or the benefit of any relative, friend, associate, colleague, and so forth.

Partnerships, Collaboration & Networking

When appropriate, NGOs may find that cooperation with other civil society organizations, government and intergovernmental agencies, and for-profit corporations may be beneficial in advancing their mission related objectives. Such collaboration for the common good may reduce duplication of services and eliminate using resources for competitive purposes rather than serving constituencies. Collaboration may allow pairing diverse strengths and resources and promote effectiveness in tackling priorities. However, an NGO may enter into such a relationship only if it is consistent with its mission.

Relations With Other NGOs and Civil Society Organizations

When appropriate, NGOs with overlapping missions, values, and target groups should partner with each other and with local government or other civil society organizations, when it would be beneficial for the common target groups and for the achievement of common objectives.

NGOs with overlapping missions, values, and target groups should refrain from competing with each other and with other civil society organizations, and should refrain from unnecessary duplication of services and disruption of each other's projects.

The NGO should express solidarity with campaigns and actions of other NGOs, and promote the effectiveness and success of other NGOs, when it does not compromise the integrity or values of the NGO.

The organization shall should network with other ethical NGOs, government bodies, or other civil society organizations as a means for promoting the growth, effectiveness and efficiency of the NGO sector and the ability to advance the public good.
Confidentiality of Information

Confidentiality is a requirement which allows free intercourse among the NNN members. The NNN network has been designed for two levels of usage – public and for members only. This allows an NGO to control whether they wish to post information to the public in general such as on their profile pages or only within the membership such as in the forum discussions, calendars, and geographic locations of initiatives. All members are responsible for not sharing any of this information outside the NNN membership without the express permission of the originating organization or individual.  The NNN management and administrators will abide by this requirement in any publications or reports they produce.

Relations with For-Profit Corporations

The organization should enter into collaboration with a for-profit corporation only when it is beneficial to achievement of the NGO's objectives and does not compromise the independence, integrity, ethicality or self-control of the organization.

Usage of the NNN Network and Platform

The NNN User Agreement clearly states your responsibilities and requirements in using the NNN network and platform. We are all here to help Nicaragua according to our mission statements. It is important that any statements made on your profile, shared resources and especially the forum show respect for each other.

Differences of opinion are inevitable in a collaborative environment especially on a platform with many members. An uncivil remark can escalate spirited discussion into a personal argument that no longer focuses objectively on the problem at hand. Such exchanges waste our efforts and undermine a positive, productive working environment. Stay focused and concise. In the forum, ensure your remarks pertain to the topic of the thread or start another topic.