Association
“National Democrats”
CODE
OF ETHICS
I. General provisions
1. The Code of Ethics defines the ethical norms and basic principles of the members of the association "National Democrats" (hereinafter - the Association) in accordance with the values and set goals of the association.
2. The values of the association are responsibility, national state, democracy, honesty and justice, loyalty, Latvia and Latvianness.
3. Compliance with the Code of Ethics and the values set forth in paragraph 2 thereof is the duty of every member of the Association, which he undertakes upon joining the Association.
4. The purpose of the Code of Ethics is to promote the individual responsibility and integrity of the members of the Association in order to facilitate the achievement of the goals set by the Association and the observance of common values.
5. In situations not specified in this code of ethics, the member acts in accordance with generally accepted norms of society.
6. Compliance with the Code of Ethics is monitored by the Chairman of the Board of the Association.
II. Basic principles of conduct and ethics
7. A member of the association is a patriot of the Republic of Latvia. Respect Latvia as an independent and democratic country, respect the Constitution and laws. The member recognizes the Latvian language as the only possible national language and works for its protection and improvement both within the Association and outside it.
8. A member of the association promotes Latvian culture, Latvianness, democracy and patriotism.
9. A member of the Association complies with the Association's statutes, this code of ethics and other decisions made by the Association's institutions.
10. A member of the association must treat all members of the association with respect. Conflicts can be resolved in a humane way. In dealing with other members, the principles of collegiality and democracy must be followed.
11. The member of the association cultivates his knowledge of the national language, the art of speech, does not use offensive expressions in contact with other members.
12. The member of the Association separates his private communication from public communication on behalf of the Association. On behalf of the Association, a member expresses an opinion or information, or other oral confirmation only if the Board of the Association has agreed to it.
13. A member of the association does not lie or distort facts. A member of the Society thinks, speaks and acts consistently. The member of the association fulfills the given promises and assumed obligations, is responsible for his actions.
14. A member of the association knows how to admit and correct his mistakes, as well as apologize for wrong actions.
15. A member of the association puts the country of Latvia and the interests of Latvians as a basic nation first.
16. A member of the Association also outside the Association continues to educate himself about the history, culture and current events of Latvia in order to be maximally informed about what is happening both in his city, in the country and in the world.
17. A member of the Association engages in the work of the Association with a positive attitude, promoting the achievement of goals and motivating other members.
18. A member of the Association is loyal to the Association and disciplined in fulfilling the tasks, goals, and obligations assigned to him.
19. The member must inform the Board of the Association in writing about all situations that may harm the reputation of the Association.
20. A member of the Association may not directly or indirectly receive gifts, discounts, entertainment offers, expressions of favor or gratitude, which may directly influence the decision-making of the Association.
21. A member of the Association with a personal example in his actions both inside and outside the Association:
(1) strengthens and promotes public trust in the state, support for national, state and democratic policies;
(2) shows respect for the Latvian state, promotes national identity;
(3) adhere to the highest mental and physical ethical and moral standards to enhance the prestige of the Association;
(4) strengthens the sovereignty of Latvia, unity of the Latvian people, national security and democracy.
III. Communication with institutions, cooperation partners and media
22. The association is managed and its interests are represented by the board. An ordinary member may not communicate with institutions, cooperation partners and the media, as well as represent the Association (speaking as its representative, using its symbols and attributes, etc.) at public events without the prior verbal or written authorization of the board.
a. The Chairman of the Board of the Association, as well as the members of the Board, each have the right to represent the Association separately, and the prohibition stipulated in clause 22 does not apply to them. All board members are subject to all the basic principles of conduct and ethics set forth in this code.
23. Clause
22 does not limit the right of a member of the Association to express his
personal opinion or to participate in any public event as a private person or
representing another organization. In the event that there is a risk that what
the member expresses may be considered the opinion of the Association, the
member is obliged to emphasize orally and/or in writing that this is his
private opinion, which may not coincide with the opinion of the Association. In
such a case, it is the responsibility of the member to ensure that the said
disclaimer is respected.
IV. Violations of the Code of Ethics
24. The Board of the Association may issue a verbal or written warning or make a decision to exclude a member from the Association in case of violation of any of the points of the Code of Ethics or serious grounds for questioning the reputation of the relevant member.
25. The members of the association comply with the laws and regulations in force in Latvia in their activities. A serious violation of the law may be considered a violation of the Code of Ethics and be the basis for the exclusion of the Member.
V. Procedure for dealing with violations of the code of ethics.
26. Review procedure:
a. A member can turn to the Board or an individual member of the board with a request to examine a violation of the Code of Ethics in the activities of the Association or its’ members.
b. Upon receiving a request to evaluate a possible violation of the Code of Ethics, the Board of the Association examines it at the next meeting, inviting all involved parties. The board has the right to invite third parties to the meeting.
i. The petitioner has the right to request that the issue be considered in a closed Board meeting.
ii. If the applicant has asked to review a violation of the Code of Ethics against a member of the Board, this member of the Board does not participate in the examination of the specific issue as a member of the Board.
c. In the event that the Board of the Association, based on a violation of the Code of Ethics, decides to expel a member, the member has the right to appeal this decision to the general meeting of members.
27. Fulfilment monitoring:
a. The function of enforcing and monitoring the code of ethics is performed by the Board of the Association.
b. The board of the association may delegate the monitoring of the Code of Ethics to a member or a group of members. The decision to expel a member from the Association is made by the board in all cases.
VI. Closing questions.
28. The Code of Ethics is publicly available on the Association’s website.
29. The Code enters into force the day after its approval at the meeting of the Board of the Association.
Chairman of the Board
Morics Nils Menģelsons
Riga, January 5, 2024