A Question of Ethics
Do you operate in an environment that's ethical?

In parks and recreation, we expect that our agencies and the programs and services we offer are seen as valuable to the life of our community. We expect to be perceived as leaders in environmental responsibility, as providers of athletic and recreational opportunities, as standard-bearers for the benefits of healthy leisure pursuits.

The public will not see us in this light merely because we want them to, nor because we spend money to advertise how valuable we are.

Remember when setting a good example was considered essential to adult behavior? It still is in our profession. We deeply affect the lives of our friends, our neighbors, our fellow residents. Our programs and activities strengthen character, build confidence, open new doors and expand horizons.

How can we expect to exert this kind of influence unless we ourselves are responsible, ethical individuals?

In 1977, the board of the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) took a long, hard look at the question. Ultimately, it developed and approved a Code of Ethics for the profession. The core principles detailed in that document are listed on page 9.

In the 21 years since, research and study have been conducted by the IPRA Ethical Issues Task Force. However, IPRA has taken no definitive action to update and publicize a Code of Ethics for park and recreation professionals in Illinois. With the encouragement of the current task force, it is now time to get the ball rolling.

Why now? Obviously, clear ethical standards and expectations will strengthen and support the efforts of each and every one of us in the field. Additionally, our competition is stronger and the battle for funding is constant. We need public support now more than ever.

Our association fills a unique role. IPRA represents park and recreation professionals throughout the state and works to bring about changes that affect us all. IPRA's mission is to support our members with resources, knowledge and expertise. An ethics initiative is the kind of leadership which IPRA can successfully supply our members.

Leadership in this area is essential for these reasons:
1. The Moral Aspect
Most of us prefer to work in an environment in which we and those around use can behave in accordance with certain values. An ethics initiative examines the degree to which the current working environment meets that standard, determines where it falls short and, by correcting the shortfalls, suggests the steps for creating such an environment.

2. The Practical Aspect
Good ethics is good business. In an ethical working environment, an employee feels less distrust, anger, fear and hostility. An ethics initiative can clearly define the sources of negative elements in the workplace.

3. The Legal Aspect
An ethics initiative lessens the likelihood that persons within the organization will unintentionally place the organization or themselves in jeopardy.

We are not judged and found worthy or unworthy by what we say but by what we do.

4. The Public Relations Aspect
Perception is reality. If your organization is perceived as ethical, others will treat it more favorably. An effective ethics initiative serves the organization when others recognize that you work actively to set and meet the highest ethical standards in everything you do.

5. The Constancy Aspect
As the business sector continues to change, at a sometimes alarming rate, the only true constants are the values and principles that an organization holds and by which it conducts its affairs. An ethics initiative helps to define those core standards and guarantees that employees have a solid foundation for making critical decisions.

To be valuable to our public, we must behave ethically. We are not judged and found worthy or unworthy by what we say but by what we do. The ethical standard to which we hold ourselves is ultimately the yardstick by which the public will measure our value. 

8 ¦ Illinois Parks and Recreation

A QUESTION OF ETHICS
"IPRA must first seek to educate and inform its members on ethical issues. It must also give them the reassurance that the IPRA board is committed to the standards defined by ethical practices and will have the courage to enforce these standards. We certainly have the legal and loss prevention expertise to guide us in the development of credible, reliable and equitable enforcement procedures."

- Larry Remer, Chairman
IPRA Ethical Issues Task Force

"I believe that ethics and ethical conduct are matters of education and personal commitment. Enforcement of ethical standards, however, remains an issue."

- Kay Forest
IPRA executive Director

A Professional's Code of Ethics
Principle 1. The professional shall adhere to the standards and ethics of the profession and carry out agency goals, functions and objectives.

Principle 2. The professional shall conduct himself/herself in a competent manner and be of high moral character in fulfilling obligations to and remaining protective of all citizens; shall employ and promote all persons impartially; shall attempt to provide quality leisure services to all citizens; should appraise the effectiveness of the services through community involvement in the appraisal process; and shall develop affirmative action programs when needed.

Principle 3. It is desirable that the professional shall participate in the state professional organization and activities. When asked to perform professional endeavors, if he/she accepts, he/she shall complete them with his/her best quality effort so that leisure services may be enhanced.

Principle 4. The professional shall be responsible to appraise the effectiveness of supportive staff work in accordance with accepted professional standards. He/she shall report about appraisals of work to supportive staff at least on an annual basis.

Principle 5. The individual in the subordinate role shall not engage in any activity that would undermine the authority and responsibility of a superior or the agency board. However, legitimate challenges to authority on the basis of ethics or standards are encouraged, and in no way should be construed as undermining authority.

Principle 6. The professional shall be committed to strive for the improvement of individual knowledge and skill in the park, recreation and conservation profession and to give assistance in the professional development efforts of all aspects of the field to his/ her constituents, colleagues, students, and the agency or instittion for which he/she works.

Principle 7. The professional shall be fair to all customers and attempt to procure quality services at a fair price and in compliance with existing law.

Approved in 1997 by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association board of directors

March/April 1998 ¦ 9