VISION TRIP CODE OF CONDUCT AGREEMENT
This Vision Trip Code of Conduct Agreement outlines the behavior expectations for all participants in Plant With Purpose Vision Trips. It supplements the Vision Trip Participation Agreement and Liability Waiver that you have already signed. By signing below, you confirm that you have completed Safeguarding training and understand your responsibility to act in a manner that is respectful, culturally sensitive, and protective of all individuals, especially children and vulnerable adults.
1. General Conduct Expectations. I agree to maintain a high standard of behavior and professionalism during my involvement in the Program. This includes:
- 1.1. Respect for Others - I will treat all individuals with dignity and respect, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or background.
- 1.2. Maintain Integrity - I will maintain honesty and integrity in all interactions, both with fellow participants and those in the partnering communities.
- 1.3. Respect for Local Culture - I will act in a culturally sensitive manner by learning about and respecting local customs, traditions, and values.
2. Context-Specific Conduct Expectation. I acknowledge that during my participation in the Program, I may encounter situations that require specific behavioral expectations due to cultural and legal differences. This includes:
- 2.1. Alcohol and Drugs - I will comply with all local laws regarding alcohol and drug use, and will be mindful of my behavior and act respectfully toward the participating community's values.
- 2.2. Sexual Conduct - I will adhere to local cultural norms regarding sexual behavior. I understand that any form of inappropriate or illegal sexual behavior, including harassment or exploitation, will not be tolerated.
- 2.3. Relationships with Program Participants or Staff - I will not pursue or engage in sexual or romantic relationships with community members participating in Plant With Purpose programs or with Plant With Purpose staff during the trip, as such relationships may create conflicts of interest, power imbalances, or reputational harm.
- 2.4. Personal Boundaries - I agree to respect the personal boundaries of others, particularly when interacting with vulnerable individuals or community members.
3. Safeguarding Code of Conduct. I acknowledge that the Organization considers all forms of abuse unacceptable and recognizes its duty to keep all people safe, promote their wellbeing, and protect them from abuse and harm.
3.1. Definitions. I acknowledge Plant With Purpose's definition of the following terms:
- Child - Any human under the age of 18, as stipulated by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989).
- Vulnerable Adult - A person 18 years of age or older whose ability to perform normal daily living activities or to provide for their own care or safeguarding is impaired due to life circumstances (e.g., poverty, education), a disability, brain injury, or the infirmities of aging.
- Vulnerable Person - Any Child, Vulnerable Adult, or other person who may be unable to protect themselves against abuse.
3.2. Commitments.
I will:
- Create and maintain an environment that promotes safeguarding behavior protocols while treating all people with respect regardless of background or status.
- Ensure that parents/caretakers and/or another unrelated adult are present when working with vulnerable people; if not possible, I will inform a supervisor beforehand.
- Use technology appropriately and never exploit or harass a person or access pornography.
- Obtain permission from parents before taking a photograph, recording, or using a vulnerable person's image or comments, and explain how they will be used.
- Ensure no person poses in a degrading manner or in a way that could be interpreted as sexualized.
- Take photos that communicate dignity and avoid depictions that show vulnerability (e.g., inappropriate dress, illness).
- Keep information about program participants confidential. I understand that confidentiality may be maintained through practices such as using an approved pseudonym or first name only, as directed by Plant With Purpose staff (see Ethical Storytelling Pledge below).
- Immediately report any concerns or allegations of abuse according to policy.
I will never:
- Use harassing, abusive, sexually provocative, demeaning, or culturally inappropriate language or behavior.
- Engage in sexual activity with a child or exchange anything of value for sexual acts.
- Touch a person, particularly vulnerable people, in an inappropriate manner.
- Use physical punishment or discipline.
- Exploit any child or adult for labor.
- Invite unaccompanied vulnerable people to my home, hotel room, or personal vehicle without permission, unless absolutely necessary for safety.
- Take photos/videos of program participants without consent, publish their names, or post their images on personal websites or social media unless consistent with the Ethical Storytelling Pledge (re-sharing approved Organization content is encouraged).
3.3. Violations. I acknowledge that if I violate the Safeguarding Code of Conduct, the Organization may take action, including: Protecting and supporting victims; Investigating allegations with respect for confidentiality and due process; Disciplinary actions, up to and including removal from the trip; Reporting to authorities where legally required; Notifying other organizations as appropriate.
4. Ethical Storytelling Pledge. I understand that visual media is one of the most powerful forms of communication. It can motivate, inspire, and introduce others to people and places they may never have experienced otherwise. It also has the power to capture a subject in an unflattering or humiliating moment. As Plant With Purpose works with some of the most marginalized communities in the world, I understand it is essential to photograph and film our global partners with respect. While visiting Plant With Purpose programs, staff, or partnering farmers, I agree to take photos and videos ethically, and specifically to:
- Abide by the Safeguarding Code of Conduct as it pertains to informed consent for the use of media content.
- Abide by local laws and regulations regarding photography, video, and media collection, including any restrictions or permit requirements communicated by Plant With Purpose staff.
- Ask a parent or guardian's permission before photographing a minor.
- Portray dignity and improved circumstances, and avoid depictions that present participants as vulnerable or victimized (e.g., inappropriately dressed, sick, covered in flies).
- Check with a Plant With Purpose staff member to confirm whether a partnering farmer uses a pseudonym, and only use that farmer's first name or approved pseudonym when sharing their story publicly.
- Never tag individuals in photographs, and avoid using specific community names when describing a location (use the region or country instead).
- Ensure that images do not contain metadata or geotagging information that could reveal the location of the individual.
By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to abide
by this Vision Trip Code of Conduct.
