Respect
The treatment of others with kindness and deference in daily interactions, giving importance to their values, views, opinions and preferences.
- We believe all team members' contributions are valuable and everyone deserves to be treated with respect and consideration.
- We will treat our team members with respect at all times — the same way we would like to be treated.
- We encourage every team member to speak their opinion and ideas and we will listen, refraining from interrupting.
- We will always use kind, inclusive and polite language and be mindful of our team members' work, availability, and time.
- We may make requests and constructive criticism on a direct / one-on-one basis but will never criticize others in public.
Integrity and Honesty
Acting in a way you know to be right and kind in all situations, being truthful and sincere with your words, actions and thoughts.
- We believe in knowing and doing what is right and taking responsibility for our actions.
- We commit to honest behavior by being straightforward, reliable, truthful, responsible, respectable and sincere.
- Any type of corrupt or dishonest behavior will not be tolerated.
- As a member of the NEACOL team we are expected to behave with integrity and honesty at all times.
Transparency
A lack of hidden agendas or conditions, accompanied by full disclosure of information required for collaboration, cooperation, and collective decision making.
- We believe in the need to be open and transparent about our project selection process, activities, and finances.
- We publish this information on our website so it is accessible to members, volunteers, partners and donors alike.
Trust
The firm belief in the character, strength, or truth of someone or something.
- We trust that all team members have NEACOL's best interest at heart and will therefore give each other the benefit of the doubt.
- If we have a concern or feel uncomfortable with something, we should be able to talk to the person involved and clarify questions without judgment.
Listening, Open Communication & Growth Mindset
- We believe all good communication starts with listening and keeping an open mind. We will strive to practice active listening and refrain from interrupting.
- We will feel free to provide our opinions and ideas openly at all times and we will welcome the opinions and ideas of others.
- We will provide each other with constructive criticism that focuses on suggestions and ways to improve, rather than criticizing the person.
- We will keep the channels of communication open at all times using our team members' preferred methods of communication.
Teamwork & Collaboration
The collaborative effort of a group to achieve a common goal in the most effective and efficient way, in which individual interests are subordinated for the team's benefit.
- We believe that when we work together as a team we can use our synergies and accomplish more.
- We will strive to help each other whenever possible, eliminating obstacles and finding solutions.
- We value our working relationship and commit to being responsive to our team members' needs and limitations.
- You should never feel alone in an assignment — support is always available from anyone in the team, regardless of committee.
Empowerment
Granting the power, right, or authority to perform various acts or duties.
- We believe empowerment is autonomy with boundaries — valuing and trusting team members' abilities, giving them the goals, information, and tools they need to make good decisions.
- All committee and work teams will be empowered to make decisions and act as they see fit to advance NEACOL's mission, given appropriate parameters and available resources.
Commitment & Accountability
An individual's adherence to a cause, attitude, or belief and the acceptance of responsibility for one's own actions.
- We are committed to doing the best we can at all times and approaching everything with a "can do" attitude.
- If we agree to take on a specific task or responsibility, we commit to getting it done or obtaining the necessary help to complete it.
Tolerance & Flexibility
The capacity to endure pressure or uncertainty without becoming frustrated and the ability to adjust to changes without creating stress or drama.
- We understand that our team members have different points of view and experience and we should be accepting of these differences.
- We need to be flexible and tolerant of our volunteers' needs and capacities, avoiding frustration.
- Sometimes we will need to agree to disagree and abide by the decision of the majority, while still helping the team move forward.
Diversity & Inclusion
Involving a range of people with various racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, gender, religious, and cultural backgrounds, and valuing their presence, contributions, and perspectives.
- We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and dignity for all.
- We recognize that our differences make us stronger and by seeking out different perspectives, we learn from each other and produce better results.
- Volunteers are always welcome and we provide an equal opportunity for volunteers to participate in committees, task forces, and execution teams.
- We encourage the civil and respectful expression of ideas and opinions.
Community, Support & Friendship
A feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.
- We believe that one of the wonderful aspects of volunteering with NEACOL is the opportunity to make new friends and close personal ties.
- At NEACOL we are committed to building a supportive community of friends working together for a common cause, where everyone is welcome and treated as part of our NEACOL family.
- Our NEACOL family is there for us and we shall count on each other's assistance and support.
