Purpose
This Codes of Conduct and Conflicts of Interest Policy outlines the principles, expectations, and ethical standards for all members of OD Free Marin (“the Collaborative”). It is intended to ensure that all members contribute to a safe, inclusive, and effective environment for preventing overdose in Marin County.
I. Codes of Conduct
1. Respect and Inclusion
- Treat all members, partners, and community participants with dignity and respect.
- Foster an inclusive environment regardless of race, gender, age, ability, sexual orientation, economic status, citizenship, formal education, or lived experience.
- Respect diverse viewpoints, especially those from individuals with lived or living experience of substance use.
2. Appropriate Behavior
- Maintain a constructive, calm, solution-focused tone during meetings and events.
- Refrain from disruptive or aggressive behavior, including personal attacks or dismissiveness.
- Follow meeting agendas and group norms, including allowing others to speak and be heard.
3. Confidentiality
- Respect the privacy of personal or sensitive information shared within the Collaborative.
- Do not disclose personal experiences or identifiable information shared in meetings without explicit permission.
4. Accountability
- Attend meetings consistently or communicate when unavailable.
- Follow through on tasks and responsibilities you have agreed to take on.
- Accept constructive feedback and stay open to improving your contributions to the Collaborative.
II. Conflicts of Interest
1. Definition of Conflicts of Interest
A conflict of interest occurs when a member’s personal, professional, financial, or organizational interests could compromise, or appear to compromise, their ability to act in the best interest of the Collaborative.
2. Examples of Potential Conflicts
- Promoting or financially benefiting from a program or product being utilized, considered or adopted by the Collaborative.
- Representing the Collaborative in a decision-making role while also representing another organization with a competing agenda.
- Using confidential information gained through the Collaborative for personal or organizational gain.
- Presenting or identifying in the community as a member/founder/advisor of OD Free Marin or RxSafe Marin while engaged in non-OD Free Marin initiatives/efforts/trainings/presentations which may misrepresent knowledge, expertise, endorsements, alignment, partnerships etc.
3. Disclosure Requirements
- Members must disclose any actual or potential conflict of interest at the earliest opportunity.
- Disclosures should be made to the HHS Senior Program Coordinator or Community Co-Lead.
- A record of disclosures will be maintained by HHS Staff.
4. Managing Conflicts
- Upon disclosure, the Leadership Team will determine whether the member should:
- Recuse themselves from related discussions or votes,
- Abstain from certain tasks or communications,
- Continue participation with transparency noted in the record.
- The goal is not to punish but to maintain trust and integrity in the group’s work.
III. Member Agreement & Declaration
All Active Collaborative Members are expected, annually, to sign and review this Codes of Conduct & Conflicts of Interest Policy annually, as a condition of involvement with OD Free Marin.