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The AWA’s Commitment to Transparency & Ethical Governance

The AWA values transparency and ethical decision-making. As a membership-based organization, we recognize that some of our members also serve on our Board of Directors. We believe this structure fosters strong connections between our leadership and the constituents we serve.

 

However, we are also aware that this can create potential conflicts of interest. To ensure the highest ethical standards, we have adopted a comprehensive Code of Conduct, Code of Ethics, and Conflict of Interest Policy. This policy outlines procedures for identifying, disclosing, and managing any potential conflicts that may arise among our board members, including those related to their membership status.

 

We are committed to conducting our affairs with integrity and transparency. Our Conflict of Interest Policy is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect best practices and ensure that all decisions are made in the best interest of the AWA and our mission.

 

If you have any questions regarding our Conflict of Interest Policy or governance practices, please do not hesitate to contact us at awa@awavc.org.

AWA's Mission

  • To develop and encourage cooperation among entities for the development, protection, conservation, and improvement of the total water resources of Ventura County.

  • To exchange ideas and work toward uniform standards and policies among member entities.

  • To develop improved communications and procedures for mutual benefit among members during emergencies.

  • To promote water conservation and reclamation endeavors.

  • To support and cooperate in research activities for the improvement of the total water supply.

  • Provide a forum for exchange of information affecting the total water resources of Ventura County.

  • The AWA offers that opportunity to earn valuable continuing education credits at several of their educational events that they hold throughout the calendar year.

Financial Information

  • Designated as a 501(c)6 which consist of business leagues, chambers of commerce, real estate boards, and similar organizations created for the improvement of business conditions. IRS Form 990: To view the our Organization’s IRS Form 990 containing financial information, search for our organization under its name,  “Association of Water Agencies of Ventura” using this link Or ProPublica Information using this link.

  • Funds Usage:In relation to the mission of the AWA, the organization holds nearly 50 events during the calendar year which include committee meetings and other special meetings not listed on the annual calendar. To accomplish this mission, the majority of expenses relate to administration, event coordination, organizational management and facility costs. Funds are derived from membership dues which in 2023 represented 42% of revenue, Programs Sponsorships, Grants and Attendance Fees 58% of revenue.

Code of Conduct

Members of the Board of Directors agree:

To act in the best interest of, and fulfill their obligations to, the Association of Water

Agencies of Ventura County (AWA) and its constituent members;

To act honestly, fairly, ethically and with integrity;

To conduct themselves in a professional courteous and respectful manner;

To comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations;

To act in good faith, responsibly, with due care, competence and diligence, without

allowing their independent judgment to be subordinated;

To act in a manner to enhance and maintain the reputation of AWA;

To disclose potential conflicts of interest that they may have regarding any matters that

come before the Board, and abstain from discussion and voting on any matter, in which a director has or may have a conflict of interest;

To make available to and share with Directors through correct and transparent means of

procedure, any information that may be appropriate to ensure proper conduct and sound operation of AWA’s governance and management;

To respect the confidentiality of information relating to the affairs of AWA acquired in

the course of service, except when authorized or legally required to disclose such

information;

To not use information acquired in the course of service for personal advantage;

To not violate any federal, state or local laws governing AWA and to understand and

adhere with all governing documents applicable to the organization.

 

A Director who has concerns regarding compliance with the Code of Conduct should raise those concerns with the President of the Board or the Executive Committee. In the extremely unlikely event that a waiver of this Code for a Director would be in the best interest of the organization, it must be approved by the unanimous vote of the Board.

 

Directors will annually sign a confirmation that they have read and will comply with this Code.

Association of Water Agencies of Ventura County
Code of Ethics for Board of Directors

Rationale: Principles and practices of the Association of Water Agencies of Ventura County (AWA) Board of Directors to provide guidance and direction for effective governance.

 

Code: Members of the Board of Directors are committed to observing and promoting the highest standards of ethical conduct in the performance of their responsibilities on the board of AWA. Board members pledge to accept this code as a minimum guideline for ethical conduct and shall:

 

Accountability

-Faithfully abide by the articles of incorporation, bylaws and policies of the organization.

-Exercise reasonable care, good faith and due diligence in governing and managing affairs.

-Fully disclose, at the earliest opportunity, information that may result in a perceived or actual conflict of interest.

-Fully disclose, at the earliest opportunity, information of fact that would have significance in board decision-making.

-Remain accountable for prudent fiscal management to association members, the board, and nonprofit sector, and where applicable, to government and funding bodies.

-Maintain a professional level of courtesy, respect, and objectivity in all matters and activities.

-Strive to uphold those practices and assist other members of the board in upholding the highest standards of conduct.

 

Personal Gain – Self-Dealing

-Exercise the powers invested for the good of all members of the organization rather than for personal benefit.

 

Equal Opportunity – Diversity - Inclusivity

-Ensure the right of all members to access benefits and services without discrimination on the basis of culture, geography, political, religious, or socio-economic aspects.

-Ensure the right of all members to access benefits and services without discrimination on the basis of the organization’s volunteer or staff make-up in respect to gender, sexual orientation, national origin, race, religion, age, political affiliation or disability, in accordance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

 

Confidential Information

-Respect the confidentiality of sensitive information known to board service and used for the purposes of governance and management.

 

Collaboration and Cooperation

-Respect the diversity of opinions as expressed or acted upon by AWA board, committees and membership, and formally register dissent as appropriate.

-Promote collaboration, cooperation, and partnership among AWA members.

 

Conflict of Interest Policy 

 

The purpose of the following policy and procedures is to prevent the personal interest of staff, board members, officers, and volunteers from interfering with the performance of their duties to the Association of Water Agencies of Ventura County (AWA) or result in personal financial, professional, or political gain on the part of such persons at the expense of AWA or its members, supporters, and other stakeholders.

 

Definitions

  • Conflict of Interest (also Conflict) means a conflict, or the appearance of a conflict, between the private interests and official responsibilities of a person in a position of trust. Persons in a position of trust include staff members, officers, and board members of AWA.

  • Board means the Board of Directors.

  • Officer means an officer of the Board of Directors.

  • Volunteer means a person ‐‐ other than a board member or officer ‐‐ who does not receive compensation for services and expertise provided to AWA and retains a significant independent decision making authority to commit resources of the organization.

  • Staff Member means a person who receives all or part of her/his income from the payroll of AWA or its payroll contractors.

  • Member means any standing member of AWA.

 

Policy and Practices

1. Full disclosure, by notice in writing, shall be made by the interested parties to the Board of Directors in all conflicts of interest, including but not limited to the following:

a. A board member is related to another board member or staff member by blood, marriage or domestic partnership.

b. A staff member in a supervisory capacity is related to another staff member whom she/he supervises.

c. A board member or their organization stands to benefit from AWA transaction or staff member of such organization receives payment from AWA for any subcontract, goods, or services other than as part of her/his regular job responsibilities or as reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred as provided in the bylaws and board policy.

d. A board member’s organization receives grant funding from AWA.

e. A board member or staff member is a member of the governing body of a contributor to AWA.

f. A volunteer working on behalf of AWA who meets any of the situations or criteria listed above.

2. Following full disclosure of a possible conflict of interest or any condition listed above, the Board of Directors shall determine whether a conflict of interest exists and, if so, the Board shall vote to authorize or reject the transaction or take any other action deemed necessary to address the conflict and protect AWA’s best interests. Both votes shall be by a majority vote without counting the vote of any interested director, even if the disinterested directors are less than a quorum provided that at least one consenting director is disinterested.

3. A Board member or committee member who is formally considering employment with AWA must take a temporary leave of absence until the position is filled. Such a leave will be taken within the Board member’s elected term which will not be extended because of the leave. A Board member or committee member who is formally considering employment with AWA must submit a written request for a temporary leave of absence to the Secretary of the AWA Board, c/o the AWA office, indicating the time period of the leave. The Secretary of AWA will inform the Chair of the Board of such a request. The Chair will bring the request to the Board for action. The request and any action taken shall be reflected in the official minutes of AWA.

4. An interested Board member, officer, or staff member shall not participate in any discussion or debate of the Board of Directors, or of any committee or subcommittee thereof in which the subject of discussion is a contract, transaction, or situation in which there may be a perceived or actual conflict of interest. However, they may be present to provide clarifying information in such a discussion or debate unless objected to by any present Board or committee member.

5. Anyone in a position to make decisions about spending AWA’s resources (i.e., transactions such as purchases contracts) – who also stands to benefit from that decision – has a duty to disclose that conflict as soon as it arises (or becomes apparent); she/he should not participate in any final decisions.

6. A copy of this policy shall be given to all Board members, staff members, volunteers or other key stakeholders upon commencement of such person’s relationship with AWA or at the official adoption of stated policy. Each board member, officer, staff member, and volunteer shall sign and date the policy at the beginning of her/his term of service or employment and each year thereafter. Failure to sign does not nullify the policy.

7. This policy and disclosure form must be filed annually by all specified parties.

 

Governance and Structure

The AWA is organized and operated exclusively for the promotion of water within Ventura County, California.

 

The Board of Directors, consisting of between 19-25 members with corresponding alternates, shall exercise those powers necessary to execute policy as established by the General Membership and shall perform such other duties and assume such other responsibilities as are delegated to it by the General Membership.

 

Acceptance as a member of the Board of Directors commits a person to the following responsibilities:

  • Reliably attend Board of Directors meetings.

  • Keep fully informed of AWA activities.

  • Accept assignments of AWA committees.

  • Deportment to reflect favorably on AWA

  • Attend Annual Events and General Membership meetings.

 

Contact Information: Please contact us at awa@awavc.org for more information.

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