GENERAL

MAFA requires officers, directors, and volunteers to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. As representatives of MAFA, we must practice honesty and integrity in fulfilling our responsibilities and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Reporting Responsibility

This Whistleblower Policy is intended to encourage and enable officers, directors, volunteers, and others to raise serious concerns internally so that MAFA can address and correct inappropriate conduct and actions. It is the responsibility of all board members, officers, and volunteers to report concerns about violations of MAFA’s code of ethics or suspected violations of law or regulations that govern MAFA’s operations.

No Retaliation

It is contrary to the values of MAFA for anyone to retaliate against any board member, officer, or volunteer who in good faith reports an ethics violation, or a suspected violation of law, such as a complaint of discrimination, or suspected fraud, or suspected violation of any regulation governing the operations of MAFA. Anyone who retaliates against someone who has reported a violation in good faith is subject to discipline up to and including termination of their elected or appointed position.

Reporting Procedure

MAFA has an open door policy and suggests that volunteers share their questions, concerns, suggestions or complaints with their supervisor or a board member. If you do not have or are not comfortable speaking with your supervisor or you are not satisfied with your supervisor’s response, you are encouraged to speak with the MAFA President. Supervisors are required to report complaints or concerns about suspected ethical and legal violations in writing to MAFA’s President, who has the responsibility to investigate all reported complaints. Anyone with concerns or complaints may also submit their concerns in writing directly to the MAFA President. If the issue in question involves the MAFA President, then it should be reported to the First Vice President.

Compliance Officer

MAFA’s President is responsible for ensuring that all complaints about unethical or illegal conduct are investigated and resolved. The President will advise the Board of Directors of all complaints and their resolution and will report at least annually to the Treasurer on compliance activity relating to accounting or alleged financial improprieties.

Accounting and Auditing Matters

MAFA’s President shall immediately notify the Treasurer of any concerns or complaint regarding corporate accounting practices, internal controls or auditing and work with the committee until the matter is resolved.

Acting in Good Faith

Anyone filing a written complaint concerning a violation or suspected violation must be acting in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed indicates a violation. Any allegations that prove not to be substantiated and which prove to have been made maliciously or knowingly to be false will be viewed as a serious disciplinary offense.

Confidentiality

Violations or suspected violations may be submitted on a confidential basis by the complainant. Reports of violations or suspected violations will be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation.

Handling of Reported Violations

MAFA’s President will notify the person who submitted a complaint and acknowledge receipt of the reported violation or suspected violation. All reports will be promptly investigated and appropriate corrective action will be taken if warranted by the investigation.

Approved by MAFA Board of Directors, January 22, 2022