Page 58 - Illinois Association of Park Districts Benefits of Membership 2017 - 2018

Acting within the spirit of the law
Many park, recreation and conservation agencies have adopted or modified The Board Member Code of Conduct and The Board Member’s Creed, both developed by the Illinois Association of Park Districts. These two statements speak to the principles underlying ethics legislation by providing a framework for civil discourse, fair dealings and open government.
The Board Member Code of Conduct is a statement meant to remind the public – and the board – that the board is committed to performing the public’s work with the highest integrity. It is a 22-point pledge to ethical, business-like and lawful conduct, including the proper use of authority and appropriate decorum when acting as a board member. It includes prohibitions on such things as: nepotism, using privileged information for personal gain and holding board meetings in the absence of the executive director. It prescribes such positive practices as: making decisions involving the welfare of the agency based only on study and evidence; respecting the board’s commitment to work with the executive; participating in community activities; responding to the needs of the entire community; and respecting and listening to the opinions of other board members.
The Board Member’s Creed is a more personal instrument: a quick set of ethical reminders to put commissioners and trustees in the right frame of mind for effective board service. The Creed is a list divided into five parts that reinforce the principles of The Board Member Code of Conduct.
The Illinois Association of Park Districts makes copies of The Board Member Code of Conduct and the Creed available to the boards of all Illinois’ park districts, forest preserves, conservation and recreation agencies to adopt or modify to suit their own needs.
Conclusion
Park district, forest preserve, conservation and recreation agency board members must understand and abide by all state laws that apply to them. Board members, as part of their fiduciary duty, must take it upon themselves to understand and practice the ethical standards as codified by state laws.
Beyond this, all park district, forest preserve, conservation and recreation agency boards should embrace the spirit of state and local ethics laws by making honest, civil, open and accountable public service the cornerstones of terms of service.
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