Board Member Code of Conduct and Ethics 

GCLA is an organization which supports transportation companies throughout California.  Participation in the organization’s programs is subject to the observance of the organization’s rules and procedures. The activities outlined below are strictly prohibited. Any participant or staff member who violates this Code is subject to discipline, up to and including removal from the program.

The board of directors is committed to teamwork and effective decision-making. Towards this end board members will:

•       Endeavour to represent the broader interests of members and/or stakeholders;

•       Refrain from trying to influence other board members outside of board meetings that might have the effect of creating factions and limiting free and open discussion;

•       Be willing to be a dissenting voice, albeit respectfully, and endeavor to build on other director’s ideas, offer alternative points of view as options to be considered and invite others to do so too;

•       On important issues, be balanced in one’s effort to understand other board members and to make oneself understood;

•       Once a board decision is made, support the decision even if one’s own view is a minority one;

•       Not disclose or discuss differences of opinion on the board with those who are not on the board, and the personal or business affairs discussed in GCLA board meetings shall not be discussed with any other entity;

•       The board should communicate externally with “one voice”;

•       Respect the confidentiality of information on sensitive issues, especially in personnel matters;

•       Be an advocate for the organization and its mission wherever and whenever the opportunity arises in their own personal and professional networks;

•       Disclose one’s involvement with other organizations, businesses or individuals where such a relationship might be viewed as a conflict of interest (see Conflict of Interest Policy);

•       Refrain from giving direction, as an individual board member, to the executive director or any member of staff;

All Board Members will refrain from the following:

·      Abusive language towards a staff member, volunteer or another participant.

·      Bringing onto GCLA property or events dangerous or unauthorized materials such as explosives, firearms, weapons or other similar items.

·      Discourtesy or rudeness to a fellow board member, member, staff member or volunteer.

·      Verbal, physical or visual harassment of another board member, member, staff member or volunteer.

·      Actual or threatened violence toward any individual or group.

·      Conduct endangering the life, safety, health or well-being of others.

·      Failure to follow any GCLA policy or procedure.

·      Bullying or taking unfair advantage of any participant.