Code of Conduct for Optimist Members and Employees (ICD-13)

Purpose

All Optimist Members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the purposes of Optimist International (OI), the principles of the Optimist Creed, and OI’s Core Values. Members shall act with integrity, respect, and responsibility at all Optimist activities. Optimist International is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all individuals, with particular emphasis on the protection and well-being of youth.

Standards of Conduct

Optimist Members are expected to treat others with dignity, respect, and consideration, and to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on Optimist International. The following standards apply to all Optimist activities, programs, and events:

• Optimist Members shall refrain from the use of alcohol, tobacco, illegal substances, or recreational drugs while working with youth or participating in Club projects or activities involving youth.
• The sharing of explicit or inappropriate materials, or any other offensive or inappropriate conduct or communication is strictly prohibited.
• The use of terms of endearment (affectionate words or nicknames) when addressing a child is prohibited.
• Unwelcome physical contact with other Optimist Members or with children is prohibited. As a best practice, adults should request permission before engaging in physical contact, such as hugging.
• Optimist Members are expected to be respectful at all times in their language, demeanor, and regard for personal boundaries and personal space.

Membership Eligibility and Youth Protection

Any current or prospective member convicted of a criminal offense involving moral turpitude (theft, fraud or acts of violence) or conduct that endangers a youth shall be ineligible for membership. Any member with pending criminal charges involving moral turpitude or conduct that endangers a youth shall have their membership suspended until such charges are resolved.

Non-Discrimination

Optimist International and its affiliated Clubs shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or national law when considering membership or in the conduct of organizational activities and operations.

Safeguarding Contact

The Safeguarding Contact is the Executive Director (unless otherwise assigned) to receive, evaluate, and coordinate investigation of reports.

Reporting Responsibilities

Any individual who witnesses or experiences a violation of the Code of Conduct should promptly report the incident to the Safeguarding Contact, who is the OI Executive Director (unless otherwise assigned). If the concern involves the OI Executive Director or a volunteer, it should be reported to the International President. Reports may be made in writing or verbally. All reports will be treated seriously and investigated promptly, with appropriate confidentiality. Retaliation against individuals who make good faith reports is strictly prohibited. Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Protection from Retaliation

OI prohibits retaliation against any individual who reports misconduct in good faith. Retaliation may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

( Mar 2003, Mar 2005, Jun 2016, Mar 2019, May 2023, Aug 2024, Mar 2026 )