MTÜ Südamete Soojus and MTÜ Ida Südamete Soojus base their activities on the principles of honesty, openness, accountability, respect for people, and transparency.
We believe that charitable and community work can only be effective when it is built on a high level of trust from volunteers, partners, donors, project participants, and society as a whole.
In our daily work, we follow the laws of the Republic of Estonia, our statutes, internal regulations, and the Estonian Code of Ethics for Civil Society Organisations.
Our organisations are guided by the following principles:
- openness and transparency in all activities;
• responsible use of donations and project funding;
• respect for people regardless of age, nationality, language, social status, health condition, or life circumstances;
• promotion of volunteering and civic participation;
• prevention of conflicts of interest;
• compliance with agreements and professional ethics;
• cooperation and mutual respect between organisations, communities, and partners.
ESTONIAN CODE OF ETHICS FOR CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS
At the Estonian Network of Nonprofit Organizations, we believe that civil society organisations can and should be more open and transparent than organisations in other sectors. To support this goal, civil society organisations adopted their own Code of Ethics in 2002.
See also the CIVICUS LTA (Legitimacy, Transparency, Accountability) Handbook, compiled by Kristina Mänd.
Civil society organisations value honesty, equality, dignity, openness, solidarity, cooperation, diversity, and reliability, and act according to these values. Their cooperation is based on goodwill, partnership, mutual respect, and recognition.
The duty of civil society organisations is to contribute to the development of a safe, balanced, and caring society.
In their daily activities, civil society organisations comply with the laws of the Republic of Estonia and other applicable legal acts. The Code of Ethics establishes principles for responsible and ethical conduct. Following these principles increases the credibility of organisations and the non-profit sector in society.
ETHICAL PRINCIPLES OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS
Democratic Governance and Operations
A civil society organisation has a clear and understandable mission. In fulfilling its mission, the organisation follows its statutes, internal regulations, and operational standards.
A civil society organisation represents and promotes the diverse interests and needs of people. It involves people in the development of civil society through civic education, participatory democracy, advocacy, and other forms of public engagement.
As a voluntary association of members of society, a civil society organisation values its members, ensures democratic governance, holds its governing bodies and employees accountable, and responds appropriately to misconduct.
A civil society organisation considers citizen participation and voluntary work to be fundamental pillars of civil society and values both citizens and their voluntary contributions.
A civil society organisation consistently strives for competence, professionalism, and excellence in order to achieve the best possible results.
Receiving most of its resources from supporters and donors, a civil society organisation uses these resources responsibly and for their intended purposes.
Civic Courage and Care
A civil society organisation demonstrates civic courage in addressing injustice in society.
When an organisation identifies incompetence or injustice in legislation, regulations, or their implementation, it works to promote positive change.
A civil society organisation does not use or promote violence to express its views, achieve its goals, or attract public attention.
Responsible and Sustainable Use of Resources and Assets
A civil society organisation uses natural, human, intellectual, material, and financial resources responsibly and sustainably, taking into account the needs of present and future generations.
Whether applying for funding or providing support, a civil society organisation follows good funding practices, ensures transparency and justification of budgets, and avoids double funding.
Responsibility and Accountability
A civil society organisation reports on its activities and is accountable to its founders, members, supporters, donors, and the public.
The organisation considers accountability essential and ensures it through competent management, internal reporting, and adherence to good accounting practices.
A civil society organisation publishes both an activity report and a financial report at least once a year.
Openness and Transparency
Information about a civil society organisation’s mission, membership, activities, and funding must be public and understandable.
A civil society organisation communicates openly and directly under its own name and does not operate anonymously.
A civil society organisation is open to new ideas, different viewpoints, and cooperation in pursuit of shared goals.
Independence and Prevention of Conflicts of Interest
A civil society organisation is independent in setting its goals, making decisions, and carrying out its activities. It avoids becoming controlled by political parties, public institutions, or private companies in ways that could compromise its independence or ability to act in the public interest.
A civil society organisation and the individuals working within it avoid conflicts of interest. When a conflict of interest arises, appropriate measures are taken to resolve it.
Keeping One’s Word and Respecting Intellectual Ownership
A civil society organisation honours both written contracts and verbal agreements.
A civil society organisation respects the authorship of ideas and projects created by other organisations.
Tolerance
A civil society organisation recognises and respects diversity in opinions, organisations, and their objectives.
A civil society organisation does not disparage or defame other organisations, their viewpoints, or the people involved in them.
Adopted by the General Assembly of the Estonian Roundtable of Non-Profit Organisations on 7 April 2002 in Tartu.
