Statement of Impartiality

Our greatest asset as a public interest organization serving individuals and communities having experienced disaster is our credibility and trustworthiness. We preserve this trust by making it clear to those we serve that our number one concern is for them and their well-being. Of course, our partners also benefit most when they know that our constituents trust what we have to say so that when we offer compliments and positive words, they are sincere and of real value.

We maintain trust and credibility by being as transparent as possible and by ensuring that people know that our relationships with our partners do not impair our judgment or our ability to tell the truth as we see it.

There is an internal panel to within Association for Sustainability that reviews all of our relationships, products, promoted services, and agreements to ensure they will not erode our public trust and credibility.

How we cultivate and maintain the public trust:

  • We are not political; to the contrary, we promote depoliticization in regards to environmental issues in an effort to support unity and working together for the greatest good.

  • We do not accept money in exchange to explicitly promote a company, product, or service, although we may promote a product or service of a company who has previously provided us with financial support.

  • We illuminate both pros and cons of products, services, and organizations. This is a good way to demonstrate our impartiality and make people feel empowered and respected as they make important decisions for themselves, their families, and communities.

  • We listen and are as responsive to information as we can be.

  • We endeavor to be open and accessible, especially to those we serve.

  • We do not accept responsibility for the actions and policies of individuals, companies, or organizations who provide us with financial support. Acceptance of financial support does not qualify as an endorsement of any actions or policies of the donating entity.

  • While we may have expertise, we are always eager and open to learn and to grow.

  • Our employees agree to not work for any of our partners or advertisers for a period of 2 years after leaving our employment.

All images are by Joah Bussert unless noted otherwise. The following page header images are used under the Creative Commons license: Recovery Handbook image by Greg Hanshell, FEMA; Volunteer image by Catherine Hart.