1. Purpose & Scope
At WITI (Workforce Innovation, Trust, and Influence), we are committed to providing a welcoming, safe, and professional environment across all of our global events, digital platforms, community forums, and partner-supported experiences.
Innovation thrives when professionals of varied backgrounds and perspectives collaborate with mutual respect. This Code of Conduct applies to all participants (members, partners, speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and staff) and outlines our expectations for inclusive, forward-thinking engagement.
2. Our Core Principles & Expected Behavior
We ask all community members to uphold the foundational values that define the WITI network:
- Workforce Innovation: We champion forward-thinking, continuous learning, and creativity. Approach discussions with curiosity and an eagerness to build the future of work.
- Trust & Integrity: We protect each other's ideas, intellectual property, and confidential information. Trust is the foundation of our network, and we expect honesty and accountability in all interactions.
- Influence & Empowerment: We use our collective voice to drive positive transformation. We encourage every individual to recognize their own worth, accept responsibility for their actions, and empower those around them.
- No One Stands Alone: True to our history, WITI creates environments where every person is actively supported. We make a point of welcoming those who are on their own into the group so that everyone feels included.
- Collaboration Over Competition: WITI is built on a "rising tide raises all ships" philosophy. We collaborate to help each other win, sharing solutions, challenges, and networks generously.
- Listening for Value: We acknowledge that no single person has all the answers. We practice active, mindful listening and appreciate others' ideas, perspectives, and solutions without judgment.
- Honoring Legacies, Building Futures: We respect the generations of professionals who built our foundation since 1989 while actively breaking new ground and taking risks to build a better legacy for the future workforce.
3. Maintaining Professional Focus: Partisan Politics & Religion
WITI is a global, non-partisan, and secular professional network dedicated to professional development, workforce transformation, and technology leadership.
We actively explore the issues shaping the future of work, including the policy, regulatory, and societal questions raised by AI and emerging technology. What we ask members to set aside is partisan and sectarian advocacy, so that our spaces remain a place where professionals from every background can collaborate without division:
- No Partisan Political Advocacy: Content, commentary, or materials promoting specific political candidates, parties, or campaigns are not permitted in WITI spaces. Substantive discussion of technology and workforce policy is welcome; campaigning is not.
- No Religious Proselytizing: We respect the personal beliefs and identities of our members. We ask that WITI spaces not be used to promote, debate, or solicit adherence to specific religious beliefs.
- Focus on the Work: Conversations, presentations, and digital postings should stay centered on technology, innovation, leadership, and professional growth.
4. Prohibited Conduct
To safeguard the trust of our network, the following behaviors are strictly prohibited:
- Harassment and Discrimination: WITI does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion or creed, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin or ancestry, disability, marital status, or military or veteran status.
- Disruptive Behavior: Sustained disruption of talks, events, or digital threads, or showing disrespect toward speakers, hosts, or fellow members.
- High-Pressure Sales and Unauthorized Solicitation: While networking and respectful business discovery are encouraged, high-pressure sales tactics, spamming, and aggressive commercial solicitation are not permitted. We respect each other's professional boundaries.
5. Reporting, Non-Retaliation, and Enforcement
Reporting. If you experience or witness behavior that violates this Code of Conduct, please report it promptly by emailing [email protected]. You are also welcome to contact David [last name] directly at [your email] if you run into any of these issues or would prefer to raise a concern one-on-one.
Confidentiality. We treat all reports with care and will limit disclosure to those who need to be involved in order to investigate and respond. In some cases we may need to share information to act on a report or to comply with a legal obligation.
Non-Retaliation. WITI does not tolerate retaliation against anyone who reports a concern in good faith or takes part in an investigation. Retaliation is itself a violation of this Code.
Enforcement. WITI reserves the right to take any action necessary to preserve the safety and integrity of our community. Depending on the circumstances, this may include a warning, removal from a digital thread or event, forfeiture of fees as set out in the applicable membership or partnership terms, or suspension or termination of WITI membership or corporate partnership.