Code of Conduct

Purpose

This page provides a public summary of APN’s Code of Conduct. APN’s code of conduct applies to all meetings, events, communications, committee work, referrals, and digital platforms. It is the standard we hold ourselves to, and the standard prospective partners, mentees, and the public can expect from us.

Members sign the full Code of Conduct, Confidentiality Agreement, and Conflict-of-Interest Agreement upon admission to APN. This page summarizes the core principles. Internal procedures for handling concerns are maintained separately as an internal governance document.

Core Principles

1. Professionalism and Respect

All members, guests, applicants, and partners are entitled to be treated with professionalism and respect. APN members do not engage in harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or abusive conduct, in any form, in any context, on or off APN platforms.

2. Confidentiality Culture

Members protect the confidentiality of internal discussions, member information, referrals, and sensitive business or personal information shared within the network. These confidentiality obligations continue after a member departs from APN, except where disclosure is required by law. APN takes confidentiality seriously, it is foundational to the trust that makes the network valuable.

3. Truthful Credentials and Good Standing

Members represent their credentials, professional standing, and qualifications truthfully. They maintain required licenses, certifications, and good professional standing for the duration of their membership. Misrepresentation of credentials is a serious breach of this code.

4. Conflicts of Interest Disclosed

Members disclose any direct personal or financial interest before participating in a discussion or vote that may be affected by that interest. Referrals are made honestly and in good faith, without pressure and without guaranteed outcomes. Members recuse themselves from votes where they have a disclosed conflict of interest.

5. No Misuse of Membership

Members do not misuse their APN membership or the APN name for personal gain, aggressive solicitation, fundraising pressure, political activity, or unauthorized endorsements. They do not speak for, sign for, or represent APN without appropriate authorization. APN’s member list and member information are confidential and may not be used for purposes outside APN’s mission.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Membership, leadership, referrals, and participation in APN are based on professional qualifications, ethical conduct, contribution, mission fit, and good standing. APN does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristic.

Member Agreements

All APN members sign the following agreements upon admission:

• Code of Conduct Agreement, commits the member to the principles summarized on this page.
• Confidentiality Agreement, formalizes the member’s obligation to protect confidential network information.
• Conflict-of-Interest Agreement, requires disclosure of conflicts before participation in relevant discussions or votes.

These agreements are maintained in APN’s secure records repository and are treated as confidential organizational records.

Raising a Concern

APN resolves disputes respectfully. The Chair or a neutral Founding Member may mediate before any formal action is taken. If you have a concern about conduct in an APN context, whether you are a member, guest, partner, or applicant, please reach out to us directly.

Contact: hello@afghanamericanpro.net