Creating an Ethical Culture in Your Nonprofit 10-2009

"Honesty is the best policy." It's true, we know it is, but sometimes being honest is not easy. When sharing bad news, facing difficult people, or under pressure to make tough choices, the truth can be put to the test.

Misconduct rises as much as 11% when financial and economic turmoil rocks your organization. Employees, supervisors and managers all feel pressure to meet goals--and even cut corners. It happens. Research shows that an effective ethics program--together with steps to create an ethical culture--cuts ethics risk. What should you do to cut your risk? You can start by raising the awareness of ethics and the potential for increased misconduct in your organization. Bring attention to ethics now to avoid the temptation to cut corners in the future.

This will be an interactive discussion of ethics and the power you have to impact your organization and the community. The session will dispel some of the myths associated with ethics.

Presented by Jill VonOsten of the New Mexico Ethics Alliance. She has more than 20 years experience in the management of nonprofit organizations and local government divisions, as well as experience as a business consultant.