In 2022, IOA began a process to develop a Code of Conduct to support IOA acitivites. After significant discusson, the community recommended a baseline set of values and norms for engagement in lieu of a code. Appreciating this wisdom, we changed our approach.

In order to create a culture where all Participants are treated with dignity and understand what is expected of themselves and each other, IOA has developed Organizational Values and Community Norms. Together, these Values and Norms will provide a framework for all Participants and support a collectively created, nurtured, and reinforced culture. They are not designed to inhibit dissenting views or constructive debate; rather, they are intended to remind all IOA Participants to bring their best selves to their interactions, and to respect the dignity of all IOA Participants in all IOA-sponsored activities regardless of their perspective, background, age, religious beliefs, lived experience, cultural background or state of practice.

These Organizational Values are based on the values embedded in IOA’s Code of Ethics and the Community Norms are modeled after Community Norms used by other associations.