The National Association of Women Artists, Inc. (NAWA) requires members of the Executive Board of Directors (the “Board”), members, officers and employees (heretofore referred to as “stakeholders”) to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. As Board Members, members, employees, officers, and representatives of NAWA, we must practice honesty and integrity in fulfilling our responsibilities and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
Reporting Responsibility
This Whistleblower Policy is intended to encourage and enable stakeholders to raise serious concerns internally so that NAWA can address and correct inappropriate conduct and actions. It is the responsibility of all stakeholders to report concerns about violations of the NAWA’s Code of Ethics or suspected violations of law or regulations that govern the NAWA’s operations. A Human Resource person (Compliance Officer) will be designated to act as compliance liaison.
No Retaliation
It is contrary to the values of NAWA for anyone to retaliate against any stakeholder who, in good faith reports an ethics violation, or a suspected violation of law, such as a complaint of discrimination, or suspected fraud, or suspected violation of any regulation
governing the operations of NAWA. Any stakeholder who retaliates against someone who has reported a violation in good faith is subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment, position or membership status.
Reporting Procedure
NAWA has an open door policy and suggests that stakeholders share their questions, concerns, suggestions or complaints with the NAWA President or Vice President. These complaints or concerns about suspected ethical and legal violations should then be made in writing by the President and given to the Executive Director or Compliance Officer for review.
Compliance Officer
NAWA is responsible for ensuring that all complaints about unethical or illegal conduct are investigated and resolved. The Compliance Officer, whose name will be posted in a conspicuous place in NAWA’s main office, will advise the Board of all complaints and their resolution and will report at least annually to the Treasurer and Finance Committee on compliance activity relating to accounting or alleged financial improprieties.
Accounting and Auditing Matters
NAWA shall immediately notify the Finance Committee of any concerns or complaints regarding corporate accounting practices, internal controls or auditing and work with the committee until the matter is resolved.
Acting in Good Faith
Anyone filing a written complaint concerning a violation or suspected violation must be acting in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed indicates a violation. Any allegations that prove not to be substantiated and which prove to have been made maliciously or knowingly to be false will be viewed as a serious disciplinary office.
Confidentiality
Violations or suspected violations may be submitted on a confidential basis by the complainant. Reports of violations or suspected violations will be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation.
Handling of Reported Violations
NAWA will notify the person who submitted a complaint and acknowledge receipt of the reported violation or suspected violation. All reports will be promptly investigated and appropriate corrective action will be taken if warranted by the investigation.
Note: The Compliance Officer may be a Board member, or a third party designated by the organization to receive, investigate and respond to complaints.
National Association of Women Artists, Inc. (NAWA)
Policy approved by the Board of Directors on March 24, 2026
