RIVERTON TENANTS ASSOCIATION

 

CODE OF CONDUCT

(Standing Rule of the RTA)

 

1. Purpose

This Code of Conduct establishes mandatory standards of ethical, professional, and lawful behavior for all officers, Executive Board members, committee members, and volunteers of the Riverton Tenants Association (“RTA” or “Association”).

 

Its purpose is to protect the integrity, credibility, and effective governance of the Association; to promote trust, accountability, transparency, and respectful collaboration; and to ensure that all individuals acting on behalf of the RTA further its mission as set forth in the Bylaws.

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2. Scope and Applicability

This Code applies to all elected and appointed officers, Executive Board members, committee members, consultants, and volunteers acting on behalf of or representing the RTA in any capacity.

 

Compliance with this Code is a mandatory condition of service in any leadership, representative, or decision-making role within the Association.

Association Business and Communications

 

For purposes of this Code, “Association business” and “Association communications”

include, but are not limited to, communications conducted:

• In person

• By telephone

• By text message

• By email

• Through messaging applications or social media

• Through any other electronic, written, or verbal medium

when such communications relate to RTA matters or involve other officers, tenants, volunteers, management, governmental agencies, media, or external stakeholders.

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3. General Standards of Conduct

All covered individuals shall:

 

1. • Act honestly, responsibly, and in the best interests of the tenant body as a whole.

   • Uphold the mission and purposes of the RTA as stated in the Bylaws.

   • Treat all tenants, fellow officers, volunteers, management representatives, and external parties with respect and dignity.

   • Comply fully with all applicable laws, the RTA Bylaws, standing rules, policies, and resolutions.

   • Avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest and disclose potential conflicts promptly.

   • Conduct themselves in a manner that protects and enhances the credibility, effectiveness, and reputation of the Association at all times.

 

 

4. Conduct Unbecoming of an Officer or Representative

The following conduct is prohibited and constitutes grounds for disciplinary action. This list is illustrative, not exhaustive.

 

Prohibited Conduct Includes:

 

1. • Harassment, discrimination, bullying, retaliation, or abusive conduct of any kind.

   • Profanity, threats, intimidation, or coercive behavior while engaged in Association business.

   • Aggressive, combative, threatening, harassing, or abusive communications, including but not limited to text messages, emails, or electronic messages, directed at other Board members, tenants, volunteers, management, or external parties, when such conduct interferes with orderly governance, decision-making, or the reputation of the Association.

   • Personal attacks, inflammatory language, or conduct inconsistent with principles of orderly deliberation as reflected in Robert’s Rules of Order.

   • Abuse or misuse of Association authority, title, information, or resources for personal gain or personal agendas.

   • Conduct—whether public or private—that materially undermines the credibility, integrity, unity, or mission of the RTA.

   • Failure or refusal to perform assigned duties or to act in good faith in the reasonable best interests of the Association.

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5. Confidentiality and Information Security

All confidential or sensitive information obtained through service to the Association shall be protected and used solely for legitimate Association purposes.

 

Unauthorized disclosure, misuse, or negligent handling of confidential information constitutes a serious violation of this Code and may result in disciplinary action, including removal from office.

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6. Communications and Public Statements

• Only individuals expressly authorized by the Executive Board may speak on behalf of the Association.

• Unauthorized public statements, including social media posts or communications with media, government officials, or management purporting to represent the RTA, are prohibited.

• Internal disputes and disagreements must be addressed through established internal governance processes and not through public or external channels.

 

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7. Conflict of Interest

All actual or potential conflicts of interest must be disclosed promptly and fully.

 

Any individual with a conflict of interest shall recuse themselves from all related discussions, deliberations, and votes, consistent with the RTA Bylaws.

Failure to disclose or properly manage a conflict of interest constitutes a violation of this Code.

 

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8. Reporting Violations

Violations or suspected violations of this Code shall be reported promptly to the Executive Board or to a designated officer.

 

​Retaliation against any individual who reports a concern in good faith is strictly prohibited and itself constitutes a serious violation of this Code.

 

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9. Enforcement and Disciplinary Action

Violations of this Code may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to:

 

1. • Verbal or written warning

   • Censure

   • Suspension from duties or committees

   • Removal from office or committee assignment

   • Any other action permitted under the RTA Bylaws

 

For officers, repeated or serious violations of this Code may constitute “failure to carry out duties” within the meaning of Article III, Section 2.1 of the RTA Bylaws and may serve as grounds for removal from office, subject to the procedures and vote thresholds set forth in the Bylaws.

 

 

10. Mandatory Acknowledgment and Condition of Service

Service on the Executive Board, any committee, or in any representative capacity is expressly conditioned upon execution of this Code of Conduct.

Failure or refusal to sign this Code may be deemed failure to meet eligibility requirements for service and may result in disqualification, removal, or denial of appointment.

 

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11. Governing Law

This Code of Conduct shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

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Acknowledgment and Agreement

I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to comply fully with the Riverton Tenants Association Code of Conduct. I understand that compliance is a mandatory condition of my service and that violations may result in disciplinary action, including removal from office or committee roles.

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