CODE OF CONDUCT

The SOBRA Code of Conduct outlines the ethical standards, professional conduct, and responsibilities expected of all individuals acting on behalf of SOBRA, including leadership committees and members of the organization.

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Our goal is to foster a culture of integrity, accountability, respect, and transparency in support of our mission.

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1. Mission

SOBRA Collective seeks to impact the Broward community, foster exposure, enthusiasm, support, and new patronage for visual artists in Broward county.

 

2. Commitment to Mission and Values

All representatives of SOBRA shall:

• Act in good faith in the best interests of the organization.

• Advance the organization’s mission, values, and strategic objectives.

• Use organizational resources responsibly and for authorized SOBRA purposes only.

 

3. Legal and Ethical Compliance

All individuals must comply with:

• Applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

• Organizational policies and procedures, including financial controls and governance requirements

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​4.  Respectful and Inclusive Conduct

• SOBRA is committed to maintaining a welcoming, inclusive, and professional environment across all settings in which the organization operates, including in‑person interactions, internal communications, and public‑facing platforms.

• All members and individuals associated with SOBRA are expected to treat one another with dignity, respect, and fairness, and to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the organization’s mission and values. 

• SOBRA membership interactions and meeting spaces are intended to support artistic exchange and a positive and uplifting communal experience. Non-artist members may not use these spaces or member relationships primarily for the marketing or promotion of personal products or services for profit. Please refrain from taking part in contentious debates, disputes or disruptive behavior at SOBRA events and interactions (in person or online).

• If you feel another member is violating the code of conduct, please contact sobracollective@gmail.com or one of the executive committee members.

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   4.1 Digital Communications and Messaging Platforms

• These standards apply to all SOBRA‑affiliated digital communications, including but not limited to email, WhatsApp or other messaging groups, Instagram or other online forums, and internal communication channels.

• All individuals are expected to:

• Communicate in a respectful, professional, and constructive manner.

• Avoid aggressive, abusive, threatening, harassing, inflammatory, or inappropriate language or behavior.

• Refrain from discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, ideology, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, national origin, or any other protected status.

• Use SOBRA‑affiliated communication channels in a manner consistent with their intended purpose.

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   4.2 Promotional Content in Messaging Groups

• To ensure that shared digital spaces remain accessible, focused, and respectful:

• Messaging groups and internal communication channels may not be used excessively for personal or professional promotion.

• Personal or professional promotional content is limited to one post per individual per communication group per event, unless prior approval is granted by SOBRA leadership.

• Promotional content must be shared in a respectful manner and may not disrupt, dominate, or detract from group communication.

• Failure to adhere to these standards may result in removal from SOBRA‑affiliated communication channels, temporary suspension from group participation, or removal from the organization without reimbursement of membership fees.

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  4.3 Promotional Posting Guidelines for Social media

• Personal or professional promotional content related to an individual’s own work or activities is limited to no more than one post per platform per event, unless otherwise approved.

• Promotional content must be appropriate, respectful, and relevant to the SOBRA community.

• Excessive self‑promotion or misuse of SOBRA platforms for personal gain is not permitted.

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5. Conflicts of Interest ​

• All individuals must act in the best interests of the organization and avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest.

• Any personal, professional, or financial relationships that could reasonably create a conflict must be disclosed promptly to the executive leadership committee. Contact sobracollective@gmail.com or one of the executive committee members.

• Individuals shall not use their position or membership for personal gain.

• Those with conflicts shall recuse themselves from decision-making where appropriate.

• SOBRA executive committee has the right to refuse or revoke membership to any person for violation of this code of conduct.

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6. Confidentiality ​​

• Individuals must safeguard confidential and sensitive information, including:

• Donor information

• Personnel matters

• Financial data

• Strategic or proprietary information

• Confidential information may not be disclosed without authorization, both during and after association with the organization.

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7. Financial Integrity and Stewardshi

• All representatives must:

• Ensure accurate recording and reporting of financial information.

• Use funds and assets solely for authorized SOBRA purposes. 

• Avoid fraud, misuse, or misrepresentation of financial resources.

• Support transparency and accountability in financial practices.

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8. Gifts, Gratuities, and Benefits

Individuals shall not:

• Accept gifts, favors, or hospitality that could influence—or appear to influence—decision-making.

• Solicit personal benefits from donors, vendors, or constituents.

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9. Use of Authority and Representation

Individuals may not:

• Exceed their authority in representing the organization.

• Make public statements or commitments on behalf of the organization without authorization.

• Use the organization’s name, reputation, or resources for personal or political purposes.

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10. Reporting Concerns and Non-Retaliation

All individuals are encouraged to report suspected violations of this Code of Conduct.

• Reports may be made to the Executive Leadership Committee. Contact sobracollective@gmail.com or one of the executive committee members.

• Reports will be handled confidentially to the extent possible.

• Retaliation against anyone who reports concerns in good faith is strictly prohibited.

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11. Enforcement and Consequences

Violations of this Code may result in corrective action—including removal from SOBRA‑affiliated communication channels, temporary suspension from group participation, or termination of membership without reimbursement of fees—as the organization reserves the right to determine appropriate action based on the nature and severity of the violation.

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12. Acknowledgment

By submitting the member application, I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to comply with the SOBRA Code of Conduct. I understand that compliance with this Code is a condition of my engagement with the organization, and that violations may result in disciplinary action, up to and including removal from the organization without reimbursement of membership fees.

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