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The purpose of this Member Code of Conduct is to set out principles of integrity, respect, and collegiality to be observed by all Members of the Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO).

This Code of Conduct applies to all types of interactions of Members with, between and among OAO Members, the Board of Directors, OAO staff and other individuals engaged by or with the OAO, including, without limitation:

• OAO and other association and industry events
• Formal and informal meetings of the Members, with the Board of Directors, or with OAO staff
• In-person, written and electronic communications via e-mail, Facebook Member Forum, or other means
• All forms of social media

OAO Members shall:

1. Share responsibility for maintaining respect and civility within the OAO community.
2. Demonstrate honesty and integrity in all actions and interactions.
3. Communicate with professionalism and courtesy in both written and verbal communication.
4. Foster a culture of fairness and collegiality.
5. Treat others with dignity and respect regardless of position, role, or background.
6. Be as careful with another Member’s reputation as with one’s own.
7. Encourage and participate in healthy debate and dialogue, and facilitate free exchange of diverse and dissenting ideas and points of view.
8. Be responsible in sharing information and refrain from sharing unverified or misleading content.
9. Be mindful of how conflicts of interest and biases (conscious or unconscious) can affect judgment, perception and decision-making.
10. Promote healthy, safe and positive environments free from discrimination, bullying, intimidation, harassment, and/or acts of violence, personal attacks, or other forms of aggression.

The OAO will not tolerate any forms of physical or verbal abuse, bullying or harassment. All Members are entitled to their personal views, and the views expressed by individual Members do not represent the views of the OAO.

It is expected that OAO Members will abide by this Code of Conduct in practice and in spirit. A Member who fails to comply with this Code of Conduct will be subject to disciplinary action, as deemed appropriate and in the best interest of the OAO, and may result in removal as an OAO Member.

Member conduct is not actively monitored by the OAO. If any person becomes aware of a violation or apparent violation of this Code of Conduct, reports of conduct may be directed, in writing, to the Chief Executive Officer.

The OAO is not responsible or liable for Member conduct.

If you experience or witness discrimination, harassment, or harmful behaviour or comments at an OAO event, program, or while representing OAO, report the incident.

You must include your name and contact information when submitting a report. All reports remain confidential.