CODE OF ETHICS

  1. The National Association of Women Artists, Inc. (“NAWA”) adopted this Code of Ethics to guide its Executive Board of Directors (the “Executive Board”), the Chairpersons and members of NAWA’s committees, staff (including staff interns) the leadership of NAWA’s Chapters and NAWA’s membership (all types- Signature, Associate, Graduating Students, Educators, Writers, etc) collectively, the “Peer Community”) in their conduct when acting on behalf of NAWA. The Code of Ethics reflects the types of behavior NAWA expects of members of the Peer Community, both towards each other and in their interactions with NAWA’s donors, patrons, supporters, and the public.

The Peer Community should:

  1. Listen to each other, to NAWA’s donors, patrons, supporters and to interested members of the public, make all reasonable efforts to satisfy their needs and concerns to the extent they are consistent with the scope of NAWA’s mission, strive for excellence and innovation, and demonstrate professional respect to these constituents and to others.
  2. Make an effort to understand, respect and support NAWA’s constituents from other cultures, and to contribute to an organizational culture that respects the diverse, individual contributions of members of the Peer Community and others.
  3. Respect the confidentiality of sensitive information about NAWA, its members, donors, patrons, and supporters, and members of the Peer Community.
  4. Comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and fiduciary responsibilities, and work to create an atmosphere of transparency in all of NAWA’s operations.
  5. With respect to the Executive Board, provide credible and effective oversight of NAWA’s operations without personal bias.
  6. Not accept commissions, gifts, payments, loans, promises of future benefits or other items of value from anyone who has or may seek some benefit from NAWA in return, other than occasional gifts of nominal value that are in keeping with good business ethics.
  7. Abide by NAWA’s governing documents, policies and By-Laws.
  8. Be accountable for adhering to this Code of Ethics.
  9. Implement and follow a Conflict of Interest Policy.
  10. Implement and follow a Whistleblower Policy.
  11. Respect the privacy of NAWA’s members by not sharing or using their contact information for reasons other than NAWA business.
  12. Act, at all times, in accordance with the highest ethical standards and in the best interest of NAWA, and its members, donors, patrons, and supporters.
  13. Be courteous, polite, mannerly and honest with all members of the Peer Community, and with NAWA’s membership, donors, patrons and supporters.
  14. Honor its commitments and promises to the best of its abilities.
  15. Appropriately acknowledge contributions from other individuals and organizations who help facilitate NAWA’s goals.
  16. Not be deceptive in NAWA’s fundraising activities, or in prospecting for new members to join NAWA
  17. Not lobby with the intent to influence individual candidates for public office.

Compliance, Monitoring and Reporting
NAWA’s Executive Board is responsible for seeing that the Code of Ethics is communicated to all members of the Peer Community, and for insuring compliance with the Code of Conduct at all times. Violations or suspected violations of the Code of Ethics should be reported to NAWA’s compliance officer in accordance with NAWA’s Whistleblower Policy. The compliance officer will notify the sender and acknowledge receipt of the reported or suspected violation within five business days, unless the submission of the violation is anonymous. All reports will be promptly investigated and appropriate corrective action will be taken if warranted by the investigation.

Approved, as amended, by NAWA’s Executive Board of Directors on March 24, 2026