We, as Community Action professionals, dedicate ourselves to alleviating poverty in the midst of plenty in this nation by opening to everybody the opportunity for education and training; the opportunity to work; and the opportunity to live in decency and dignity; and with respect for cultural diversity; commit ourselves to:
- Recognize that the chief function of the Community Action movement at all times is to serve the best interests of the poor thereby serving the best interests of all people.
- Accept as a personal duty the responsibility to keep up to date on emerging issues and to conduct ourselves with professional competence, fairness, impartiality, efficiency, and effectiveness.
- Respect the structure and responsibilities to the board of directors, provide them with facts and advice as a basis for making decisions, and uphold and implement policies adopted by the board of directors.
- Keep the community informed about issues affecting the poor; facilitate communication between the poor, locally elected officials, and the non-poor private sector.
- Conduct our organizational and operational duties with positive leadership exemplified by open communication, creativity, dedication and compassion.
- Exercise whatever discretionary authority we have under the law to promote the interests of the poor.
- Lead the Community Action movement with respect, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness, recognizing that service to the poor is beyond service to oneself.
- Demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, honesty, and fortitude in all our Community Action activities in order to inspire confidence and trust in the Community Action movement.
- Serve is such a way that we do not realize undue personal gain from the performance of our professional duties.
- Avoid any interest or activity, which is in conflict with the conduct of official duties.
- Respect and protect privileged information to which we have access in the course of official duties.
- Strive for professional excellence and encourage the professional development on our associates, including those seeking to become certified community action professionals.