Our policies

At Hearts of Hope, we value transparency and open communication about our values and what we stand for. 

Click through the tabs to read our policies.

Hearts of Hope Foundation, Inc. (HoH) Code of Ethics (the “Code”) applies to Members of our Board of Directors, Officers, Chapter Leadership, and Volunteers (HoH Volunteers). 

The purposes of the Code are to demonstrate HoH’s commitment to lawful and ethical business conduct, to promote lawful and ethical behavior among its volunteers, and to protect those who report violations of the Code. 

The Code is intended to supplement, not replace, any applicable federal, state, or local laws governing ethical conduct for nonprofit and charitable organizations. It is grounded in HoH’s core values of integrity, compassion, courage, determination, and diversity. 

These core values are at the heart of what HoH does and should inform and guide the words, actions, and decisions of each HoH Volunteer. It is every HoH Volunteer’s responsibility to perform his or her duties in a manner that promotes and preserves public trust, proper stewardship, and confidence in HoH’s integrity. 

HoH Volunteers must respect and comply with HoH rules and regulations, uphold high standards of conduct, and participate in establishing and maintaining those standards. Failure to comply with the Code will result in adverse consequences, including removal from a HoH Volunteer’s position. 

It is the duty of all HoH Volunteers to review and assess their conduct in light of the Code’s provisions. Each volunteer shall seek, either in writing or in person, the advice of Hearts of Hope’s Executive Leadership when a reasonable doubt arises about an ethical or legal matter.

Policies Governing Ethical Conduct 

  • HoH Volunteers shall act honestly and ethically.
  • HoH Volunteers shall protect all HoH resources and assets.
  • HoH Volunteers shall perform their duties diligently and in an appropriately courteous manner.
  • HoH Volunteers with reporting responsibilities shall provide full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in all reports.
  • HoH Volunteers shall not discriminate based on race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, native language, religion, age, ability, or disability, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law in the conduct of services for HoH.
  • HoH Volunteers shall comply with all HoH conduct and behavior policies, including those prohibiting unlawful harassment or discrimination.
  • HoH Volunteers shall comply with all federal, state, and local laws, statutes, and ordinances. 
  • HoH Volunteers shall comply with all HoH policies regarding the confidentiality and privacy of information, including those governing social media. Volunteers shall not access or use confidential or proprietary information for reasons unrelated to HoH business. 
  • HoH Volunteers shall seek assistance from HoH Leadership (Members of the Board of Directors, the Executive Director, and Chapter Presidents) if they have questions about the Code or encounter ethical dilemmas. 
  • HoH Volunteers shall report violations or suspected violations of this Code to HoH Executive Leadership.

Updated June 2026

CORPORATE AND AFFILIATED CHAPTERS

Hearts of Hope Foundation, Inc. (HoH) Code of Ethics (the “Code”) applies to Members of our Board of Directors, Officers, Chapter Leadership, and General Volunteers (“Volunteers”).

The purposes of the Code are to demonstrate HoH’s commitment to lawful and ethical conduct, promote lawful and ethical behavior among its volunteers, and protect those who report violations of the Code.

The Code is intended to supplement, but not replace, any applicable federal, state, or local laws governing ethical conduct for nonprofit and charitable organizations. The Code is built on HoH’s core values of integrity, compassion, courage, determination, and diversity.

These core values are at the heart of what HoH does and should inform and guide each HoH Volunteer’s words, actions, and decisions. It is every HoH Volunteer’s responsibility to perform their duties in a manner that promotes and preserves public trust, proper stewardship, and confidence in HoH’s integrity.

HoH Volunteers must respect and comply with HoH rules and regulations, uphold high standards of conduct, and participate in establishing and maintaining those standards. Failure to comply with the Code may result in adverse consequences, including removal of a HoH Volunteer from their position.

It is the duty of all HoH Volunteers to review and assess their conduct in light of the Code. Each volunteer shall seek, either in writing or in person, the advice of Hearts of Hope’s Executive Leadership when a reasonable doubt arises about an ethical or legal matter.

Policies and Practices Governing Ethical Conduct 

  • HoH Volunteers shall act honestly and ethically. 
  • HoH Volunteers shall protect all HoH resources and assets. 
  • HoH Volunteers shall perform their duties properly, diligently, and in a courteous manner. 
  • HoH Volunteers with reporting responsibilities shall provide full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in all reports. 
  • No HoH Volunteers shall discriminate based on race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, native language, religion, age, ability or disability, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law in the provision of HoH services. 
  • HoH Volunteers shall comply with all HoH conduct and behavior policies, including those prohibiting unlawful harassment or discrimination.
  • HoH Volunteers shall comply with all federal, state, and local laws, statutes, and ordinances.
  • HoH Volunteers shall comply with all HoH policies on confidentiality and privacy of information, including those related to social media. Volunteers shall not access or use confidential or proprietary information for reasons unrelated to HoH business.
  • HoH Volunteers shall seek assistance from HoH Leadership (Members of the Board of Directors, Executive Director, Chapter Presidents) if they have questions about the Code or face ethical dilemmas.
  • HoH Volunteers shall report violations or suspected violations of the Code to HoH Leadership.

Updated June 2026

At Hearts of Hope, we value all Members of our Board of Directors, Officers, Chapter Leadership, and Volunteers (HoH Volunteers) as unique individuals and welcome the diverse experiences they bring to our company. Accordingly, we enforce a strict non-discrimination policy. 

We believe everyone should be treated equally, regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, native language, religion, age, ability or disability, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Right to a Professional Environment

Every Member of our Board of Directors, Officer, Chapter Leader, and Volunteer has the right to work in a safe and professional environment where their talents, skills, and abilities are critical to the enjoyment and affiliation with Hearts of Hope Foundation, Inc. Hearts of Hope is committed to maintaining standards of propriety, treating everyone respectfully, and acting without bias.

Zero Tolerance for Harassment – All Unlawful Harassment Prohibited

Hearts of Hope has a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and harassment in any form based on race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, native language, religion, age, ability or disability, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Discrimination and harassment are prohibited at Hearts of Hope worksites, at all HoH-sponsored events, and at all community events where Hearts of Hope participates.

Hearts of Hope recognizes that discrimination and harassment can manifest in many forms: verbal, physical, visual, or online. This list is illustrative only and not exhaustive. It is provided to emphasize that discrimination and harassment will not be tolerated in any form.

Hearts of Hope Foundation, Inc. will make every reasonable effort to train and inform all Hearts of Hope Volunteers regarding this Non-Discrimination policy. Each Hearts of Hope Volunteer will certify annually that they have read and agree to uphold all company policies, including those regarding harassment and discrimination.

Reporting Discrimination and Harassment – Procedure

If any HoH Volunteer(s) believe they have been discriminated against, please advise any member of Hearts of Hope Leadership, including Members of the Board of Directors, Chapter Presidents, or the Executive Director for Hearts of Hope. Every complaint will be thoroughly investigated to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Updated June 2026

Hearts of Hope is committed to providing a safe work environment. 

All precautions have been taken to ensure this.

Hearts of Hope strictly adheres to CDC and local guidelines regarding

Indoor and outdoor safety of Hearts of Hope-sanctioned events, including:

  • Indoor areas will be open, frequently ventilated, heated, and air-conditioned as required.
  • Hearts of Hope volunteers are asked not to attend Hearts of Hope-sanctioned events if they are ill or contagious with any illness.
  • Volunteers are encouraged to practice frequent hand washing.
  • Volunteers are required to report symptoms or known exposure to any communicable disease.
  • Note: Masks, hand sanitizer, and a hand-washing sink will be readily available and provided by Hearts of Hope.

Volunteer work must be performed within individual capabilities and in accordance with the following parameters. This includes volunteer work at Hearts of Hope-sponsored events: Chapter Events / “Paint with a Purpose” / Community Events

  • Volunteers are instructed not to lift anything over 25 pounds or to stand for extended periods, especially for those with known back problems or balance challenges.
  • Volunteers are instructed to take periodic breaks when they feel tired or have a physical reaction to repetitive activity.
  • Volunteers are instructed to wear appropriate footwear, indoors and out.
  • Volunteers are instructed to report any unsafe conditions to the nearest Hearts of Hope Leadership Representative.
  • Volunteers with known back problems or balance challenges are instructed not to lift heavy boxes of supplies, tables, tents, etc., or to stand for extended periods of time.
  • Volunteers are instructed to please report any unsafe conditions to the nearest Hearts of Hope Leadership Representative.

Updated June 2026

INTRODUCTION

This Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) document outlines the principles and guidelines for the effective, ethical, secure, and responsible use of AI technologies by Hearts of Hope Foundation, Inc.

Hearts of Hope Foundation recognizes that we have simultaneous obligations to 1) use technology to maximize our impact and effectiveness in advancing our mission, while 2) respecting the rights and dignity of all individuals.

ETHICAL PRINCIPLES FOR AI USE

Hearts of Hope Foundation, Inc. commits to using AI in a fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory manner. Our AI applications will prioritize the welfare and rights of individuals, ensuring that decisions are made with careful consideration of their potential impact on our constituents and on society.

DATA PRIVACY AND PROTECTION

Hearts of Hope Foundation, Inc., will collect and use data responsibly, ensuring informed consent. Data will be stored securely, and access will be strictly controlled. We will comply with all applicable data protection laws and ensure that personal information is treated with the utmost confidentiality.

Hearts of Hope Foundation, Inc. will not upload proprietary, trademark-protected, personal, private, or sensitive data to train AI models without the prior, express consent of affected parties.

AI SYSTEM TRANSPARENCY

Hearts of Hope Foundation, Inc., will be open and transparent about our use of AI systems. When AI is used in decision-making, we will provide clear explanations of the processes involved, ensuring that those affected can understand these decisions.

Hearts of Hope Foundation, Inc., will take the following steps in AI-produced content:

  • All text written with the help of AI will be reviewed by a human before it is published.
  • When, or if this is deemed impossible, Hearts of Hope Foundation, Inc., will clearly label as “created by AI without review by a human.”
  • Any photorealistic image or video created primarily by AI is clearly labeled as such, and any person(s) depicted in such images or videos have given permission for such use.

ACCOUNTABILITY AND GOVERNANCE

Responsibility for AI governance rests with the Executive Leadership of Hearts of Hope Foundation, Inc. This includes overseeing AI use and ensuring policy compliance.

AI SYSTEM SECURITY (ONLY IF AI MODELS ARE BEING DEVELOPED INTERNALLY)

Robust security measures will protect our AI systems against unauthorized access and data breaches. Regular security assessments will be conducted to identify and mitigate risks.

COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Hearts of Hope Foundation, Inc., will comply with all applicable local and international laws.

EMPLOYEE AND VOLUNTEER TRAINING AND AWARENESS

Hearts of Hope Foundation, Inc. employees and volunteers will receive training on AI technologies, ethical considerations, and best practices for AI use. This will foster a culture of responsible AI use within the organization.

MONITORING AND EVALUATION

Hearts of Hope Foundation, Inc., will continuously monitor the performance of our AI systems and assess their impact on our operations and the communities we serve. Regular evaluations will guide improvements and adjustments to our AI strategies.

REVIEW AND UPDATE OF POLICY

This policy will be reviewed at least every two years or as needed to reflect new developments in AI technology and changes in regulatory requirements. The update process will be transparent and inclusive.

CONTACT AND REPORTING

For inquiries or to report a concern regarding Hearts of Hope Foundation, Inc.’s use of AI, please reach out to admin@ourheartsofhope.org. Hearts of Hope Foundation, Inc., encourages open communication to ensure the responsible use of AI within our organization.

 

Updated June 2026