Methods of Promoting Codes of Ethics, Pledges, etc.

The following articles, arranged randomly, link directly to articles or websites that illustrate specific examples of methods used by various groups to promote the use of their codes, oaths, pledges, etc..

• Journalism Ethics Project (Radio-Television News Directors Association & Foundation) "Premised on the belief that local news organizations and their communities depend on each other to survive and prosper, this project encourages local news organizations to have an ongoing dialogue with the communities they serve." The ethics project "teaches and supports the values articulated in RTNDA's Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct" and offers: Public forums for discussing the role and impact of journalism in society; Training workshops; Print and video resources; Research on public attitudes about electronic news.
  
  
• SPUSA Pledge Program promoting the Student Pugwash USA's SPUSA Pledge, which challenges young people "to make a personal commitment to use science and technology is a socially responsible way." The program also includes the annual Joseph Rothbat Lecture Series .
  
  
• Christian Internet Code of Ethics is presented on the Nazarene Network website both in full and as an "Abbreviated Version for Web Pages," and the html code for abbreviated version is also included.
  
  
• The Graduation Pledge Alliance website is devoted exclusively to methods of promoting the use of its Humboldt pledge in schools
• Strengthening the commitment to carry out the Pledge after leaving school
• Press Releases concerning the Pledge
• A letter to graduating seniors explaining the pledge
• Steps for building support for a Pledge Campaign
• A one page handout for graduating seniors concerning social responsibility and their career (values clarification, job searching, etc.)
• Building consciousness-raising around the Pledge
• A survey for those graduates who have taken the Pledge
• Getting alumni and career services with your effort.
• Sample Pledge Certificates/Cards


• HON Code of Ethics (Health On the Net Foundation) project "to help standardise the reliability of medical and health information available on the World-Wide Web. The HONcode is not an award system, nor does it intend to rate the quality of the information provided by a Web site. It only defines a set of rules to: - hold Web site developers to basic ethical standards in the presentation of information; - help make sure readers always know the source and the purpose of the data they are reading."
  
  
• Ethics Pledge Program for endorsing and monitoring all website award programs
  
  
• The Advertising Federation of Australia, "the first advertising body in the world to introduce a Code of Ethics, has a Guide to its Code of Ethics, which elaborates on each element of its code, thus helping to assure that the meaning of its code will be more clear. The AFA also has a project called AFA Ethics Champions, wherein each member agency appoints an ethics "champion" to help the AFA promote the code within the respective agency.



• Ethics Officers Association ("The Ethics Officer Association (EOA) is a non-consulting, member-driven association exclusively for individuals who are responsible for their company’s ethics, compliance, and business conduct programs. The only organization of its kind, it is the largest group of corporate ethics and compliance practitioners in the world. The EOA brings together people who are new to the field, as well as those with years of experience to share. Through the EOA, practicing ethics and compliance officers address the tough issues they face every day. Members learn from one another and, in turn, help to foster a global commitment to ethics and integrity.")
  
  
• Example of method of monitoring unethical behaviour of members of an organization who may not be acting according to its code of ethics: Direct Marketing Association Ethics Committee "The Committee on Ethical Business Practice, comprised of 15 executives from DMA member companies, investigates and examines mailings and offerings made throughout the direct marketing field based on complaints and inquiries received. The Teleservices Ethics Committee, comprised of 10 executives from member firms, handles complaints only concerning teleservices issues. The Committees examine promotions and practices that may violate The DMA's self-regulatory Guidelines for Ethical Business Practice. They work with both member and non-member companies to gain voluntary cooperation in adhering to the guidelines and to increase good business practices for direct marketers.... Board action could include censure, suspension or expulsion from membership, and the Board may also make its actions public."
  
  
• Examples of an online booklet designed to clarify the ethical requirements of a particular profession/field: "Do the Right Thing" (Direct Marketing Association)
  
  
• PLEDGE WALL EVENT: Kids' pledge against violence is done as a wall mural
  
  
• Operation Clean Sweep is an example of a plastics industry anti-pollution project that includes a Pledge to Prevent [plastic] Resin Pellet Loss