Code of Ethics and Rules of Conduct Policy

According to the Bylaws of IBRBS, the following Code of Ethics and Rules of Conduct Policy must be executed each calendar year by all IBRBS Directors, Officers, and Committee members as they are seated. Please promptly review, sign and submit the affirmation document to the organization’s Secretary. This executed Acknowledgement is a requirement for participation in the activities of the organization. ARTICLE 1: STANDARD The Board of Directors and Officers of IBRBS, including Directors, Ex Officio Directors, Officers, Representatives, Committee Chairs, Members, and Candidates shall at all times abide by and conform to the following Code of Ethics and Rules of Conduct as their duty in representing IBRBS. ARTICLE 2: CODE OF ETHICS Section 1: Lead by Example — The Directors, Officers, Representatives, Committee Chairs, Members, and Candidates for office or committees of IBRBS must dedicate themselves to leading by example in serving the needs of the Corporation and its members, and also in representing the interests and ideals of the Christmas Community at large. Section 2: Meeting Participation — Directors and Officers must be willing and able to participate in regularly scheduled Board and Special Meetings, and to communicate regularly with other Directors, Officers, District Representatives, and Chapter leaders. More than three (3) unexcused absences at Board and/or Committee meetings may lead to removal from Office, as specified in the Bylaws. Section 3: Interests of IBRBS Come First — The Directors, Officers, Representatives, Committee Chairs, Members, and Candidates should avoid placing and avoid the appearance of placing, their own self-interest or any third-party interest above that of IBRBS. Violation may result in removal from office, as specified in the Bylaws. Section 4: Set the Example — The Directors, Officers, Representatives, Committee Chairs, Members, and Candidates are expected to set an example of personal appearance, professional conduct and good judgment in their dealings with corporation staff, members, suppliers, and the general public, and must respond to the needs of the Corporation’s members in a responsible and respectful manner. Violation may result in removal from office, as specified in the Bylaws. Section 5: Avoid Advancing Personal Business and Favoritism — Directors, Officers, Representatives, Committee Chairs, Members, and Candidates will not use their title or Board position to advance or bring attention to their personal Santa Business, the business of another Santa, or show favoritism to any specific Santa business, unless approved by the Board. Violation may result in removal from office, as specified in the Bylaws.

ARTICLE 3: RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES Section 1: Officers and Committee Membership —Directors are expected to  accept an Officer’s position, serve as a Board Liaison on a minimum of one committee as decided by the Board, or actively serve on at least two committees each year of their term. IBRBS needs the involvement and leadership of all its Directors. Newly elected or appointed Board members may be assigned to serve on a Committee, and all such appointments must be approved by the Board. Section 2: Leadership Role — Each Director, Officer, or Representative is expected to take a leadership role in encouraging social meetings and pursuing the founding of new IBRBS Chapters within their state or region. Section 3: Open, Transparent and Honest Dealings — The Directors, Officers, Representatives, Committee Chairs, Members, and Candidates are expected to conduct all matters and transactions connected with IBRBS in an open, transparent, and honest manner. Section 4: Non-Disclosure — The Directors, Officers, Representatives, Committee Chairs, Members, and Candidates are required to maintain a strictly confidential non-disclosure policy regarding any discussions, motions, or any actions or inaction by the Board until the Board approves release of information to the membership. Section 5: Prioritizing Obligations — The Directors, Officers, Representatives, Committee Chairs, Members, and Candidates are expected to consider the ultimate welfare and future of IBRBS and our membership above personal gain, for their personal Santa business, or personal recognition or advancement. ARTICLE 4: DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS REQUIREMENTS Section 1: IBRBS Board Face-to-Face Meetings — Directors and Officers, including those newly-elected, should plan to attend any scheduled IBRBS Board Face-to-Face meetings – date and location to be specified by the Board no less than 60 days before the meeting. Section 2: Acknowledge Receipt of the Code of Ethics and Rules of Conduct Policy — All Directors, Officers Representatives, Committee Chairs, Members, and Candidates must annually, prior to being seated on the new Board in March, sign and submit an Acknowledgement of receipt of this Code of Ethics and Rules of Conduct policy, which will be maintained on file by the Secretary. ARTICLE 5: RULES OF CONDUCT Section 1: The Rules — All Directors, Officers, Representatives, Committee Chairs, Members and Candidates shall be required to follow the following Rules of Conduct:

• Section 1.01 Do not verbally abuse or disrespect fellow Board members. Board members are expected to demonstrate respect and support for each other, for differing opinions, and ultimately for all Board decisions.
• Section 1.02 Do not verbally abuse or show disrespect towards any Board member, any IBRBS member, or any other social media member. All Directors and Officers are expected to concentrate their social media posting to the IBRBS discussion page over other social media sites so as to further enhance the IBRBS membership discussion page.
• Section 1.03 Do not contribute to confusion, doubt or disrespect for the Board by publishing or spreading divisive rhetoric directly to the membership. Board members are expected to support Board decisions whether or not you may agree with the decision.
• Section 1.04 Avoid engaging in or facilitating any self-interest business discussions, any discriminatory or harassing behavior directed toward IBRBS staff, members, Officers, Directors, meeting attendees, exhibitors, advertisers, sponsors, suppliers, contractors, or others in the context of activities relating to IBRBS.
• Section 1.05 Avoid engaging in any outside business, social media, professional, or other activities that could directly or indirectly cause a conflict of interest with IBRBS and its goals.
• Section 1.06 Do not solicit or accept gifts, gratuities, free trips, honoraria, personal property, or any other item of value from any person or entity, as a direct or indirect inducement to provide special treatment to such donor with respect to matters pertaining to IBRBS, without fully disclosing such offers to the Board of Directors.

Section 2: Failure to Follow Rules — Any violation of this policy may result in removal from office, as specified in the Bylaws. Click here to read the IBRBS Conflict of Interest Policy. Click here to proceed to our Annual Letter of Affirmation of Policies to complete it.