MinnSPRA's Code of Ethics

The Minnesota School Public Relations Association (MinnSPRA) follow the guidance from the National School Public Relations Association's (NSPRA) Code of Ethics guide.

Read the full NSPRA Code of Ethics >

The Minnesota School Public Relations Association shall have a Code of Ethics for members, as follows:

The education public relations professional shall:

1. Be guided constantly by pursuit of the public interest through truth, accuracy, good taste and fairness; follow good judgment in releasing information; not intentionally disseminate misinformation or confidential data; avoid actions which lessen personal, professional or organizational reputation.
2. Give primary loyalty to the employing organization, insisting on the right to give advisory counsel in accordance with sound public relations ideas and practices; cooperate with other groups while avoiding conflicts with primary responsibilities; object to untenable policies or activities.
3. Be aware of personal influence, avoiding promises or granting of unprofes­sional advantages to others; refrain from accepting special considerations for influences on organizational decisions; avoid unauthorized use of organiza­tional facilities, resources or professional services for personal gain or for promotion of the candidacy of aspirants to elected offices; forego derogatory acts or utterances against other professionals.
4. Recognize that effectiveness is dependent upon integrity and regard for ideals of the profession; not misrepresenting professional qualifications; give credit for ideas and words borrowed from others; cooperate with professional colleagues to uphold and enforce this Code.

A member shall, as soon as possible, sever relations with any organization or individual if such relationship requires conduct contrary to the articles of this Code.

Members of the Board of Directors of the Association shall endeavor to:

• Devote time, thought and study to the duties and responsibilities of Board membership in order to render effective and creditable service.
• Work with fellow Board members in a spirit of harmony and cooperation in spite of differences of opinion that may arise during debates.
• Base decisions on all available facts; vote with honest conviction in every case; and thereafter, abide by and uphold the decision of the Board.
• Resist temptation and outside pressure to use Board membership to benefit either individual Board members or any other individuals or agencies apart from the total interest of the Association.
• Bear in mind, under all circumstances, that the primary function of the Board is to establish the policies by which the Association is administered, but that the administration of the Association is the responsibility of the Executive Director and staff.
• Encourage the active cooperation of members and chapters in establishing Association policies on current operations and proposed future developments.