It seems like everyone’s playing defense these days. This year’s political candidates. Author Scott McClellan. The p.r. professionals who have been drowned in McClellan’s wake. Even the reporters who are on the attack. Last Sunday on CBS Sunday Morning I got a kick out of seeing CBS Executive Vice President for Communications Gil Schwartz defending the ethics of the p.r. industry by taking a huge swipe at the journalists.
If you’ve been following the back-and-forth on California A.B.624 legislation, you know that philanthropists have been on the defense, too.
Now, you’ve heard it a million times, but it probably bears repeating: The best defense is a good offense. And whether you work in politics, communications, philanthropy or some other industry, a good offense is built on a strong foundation: Solid values. A clear mission. Ethics and principles.
Public relations professionals have the PRSA Code of Ethics (PDF). Journalists abide by their own code. Fundraisers in the nonprofit sector follow ethical standards, too. And members of the Minnesota Council on Foundations subscribe to our Principles for Grantmakers.
Join the conversation: By what ethics and values do you live and work? How has your organization codified its principles and practices to maintain and build public trust?
- Wendy Wehr, vice president of communications and information services
