Code of Ethics

Our Mission & Vision

Purpose: The Mount Washington Preservation Trust, Inc. (MWPT) is a 501(c)(3) organization committed to preserving the sylvan atmosphere of our urban neighborhood.  Through its conservation easement program and public garden spaces volunteering, the MWPT preserves over 25 acres of green space and 40 gardens throughout Mount Washington.

Mission: Our mission is to preserve green space and beautify public land in Mount Washington for all to enjoy.

External Values Statements

  • Growth – Responsible growth protects the rural lands while also providing housing, jobs, and a good quality of life for people of all income levels. 

  • Preservation - Preventing the development of local lands preserves for future generations to maintain character of the region. 

  • Stewardship – Encouraging landowners of all types – individuals, businesses, and local, state, and federal governments to be good stewards of the land helps maintains healthy wildlife populations and clean water. 

  • Collaboration – In accomplishing its mission, the MWPT places a high value on working in partnership with individuals, businesses, other non-profits, and local, state, and federal governments. 

Internal Values Statements 

  • Professionalism – We strive to go about our work with the highest standards of ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability; 

  • Leadership – We firmly believe in the vision and mission of the MWPT and see ourselves as critical leaders toward achieving that vision; 

  • Openness – We respect a diversity of viewpoints and strive to listen as well as be heard; and 

  • Environmental Stewardship – We aim to conduct our business in an environmentally friendly manner, for example, using recycled paper goods, and minimizing the use of fossil fuels whenever possible.

Statement of Ethics (1.A.1.) 

It is the policy of the MWPT that its employees, board members, committee members, volunteers and visitors on MWPT-administered property uphold the highest standards of ethical and professional behavior. To that end, MWPT employees, board members, committee members, volunteers, and visitors shall dedicate themselves to carrying out the mission of this organization and shall: 

  1. Recognize that the chief function of the MWPT at all times is to serve the best interests of our community. 

  2. Accept, as a personal duty the responsibility, to keep up-to-date on emerging issues in land use and conservation, and to conduct ourselves with professional competence, fairness, impartiality, efficiency and effectiveness. 

  3. Respect the structure and responsibilities of the MWPT Board of Directors, provide them with facts and advice as a basis for their making policy decisions, and uphold and implement policies adopted by the Board. 

  4. Keep the broader community informed about issues relevant to the land use, conservation and the mission of the MWPT. 

  5. Conduct our organizational and operational duties with positive leadership exemplified by open communication, creativity, dedication and compassion. 

  6. Exercise whatever discretionary authority we have under the law to carry out the mission of the MWPT. 

  7. Serve with respect, concern, courtesy and responsiveness in carrying out our mission. 

  8. Demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, honesty and fortitude in all our activities in order to inspire confidence and trust in our activities. 

  9. Avoid any interest or activity that is in conflict with the conduct of our official duties. 

  10. Respect and protect privileged information to which we have access in the course of our official duties. 

  11. Strive for personal and professional excellence and encourage the professional developments of others.

Guidelines for Online Participation and Rules of Etiquette

The Mt. Washington Preservation Trust maintains multiple mailing lists and social media channels. To maintain the usefulness of those communication channels, there are guidelines for participation and rules of etiquette. 

A few guidelines for participation:

  • Do not use the listserv to solicit business.

  • Only send messages that are of direct relevance to the neighborhood.

  • If you are replying to a long message (or to a digest), conserve space by deleting all parts of the original message that are not relevant to your posting.

  • Please include your first and last name and street in Mt. Washington in each message so that other members can identify you.

Rules of etiquette (VERY IMPORTANT):

  • Our mailling lists are run as an open forum for neighbors and postings are not screened.   Therefore, it is absolutely essential to maintain a high degree of civility at all times.  Although we don't always agree on the details, we all want the same thing – a clean, safe, friendly, and enriching place to live.   Please keep this in mind and avoid posting any comments that may cause personal offense to other members or cast doubt on their commitment to these noble ideals.   Members who consistently violate this rule will be removed from the groups.

  • If you reply to a message on the listserv, your reply may automatically be sent to the entire group.   This is intentional, since it maintains the conversational feel of the list.  However, it requires vigilance on the part of all users in order to avoid clogging members' inboxes with irrelevant posts.   If you want to reply to just one individual, ensure that they are the only ones in the To: field of your message.  If you have a question of a personal nature (e.g., looking to borrow something or seeking detailed information that is unlikely to interest the other members), make sure to include your own e-mail address in your message and ask people to reply to you off-list.   Answers to informal surveys should always be sent off-list.

  • Avoid posting information of a personal nature (such as neighbors' phone numbers) without first receiving their permission.  No photos of minors, please.

If you are not sure whether something is appropriate for posting, e-mail us at MWPTrust@gmail.com. This listserv is run purely as a service to the community and is not affiliated with the Mount Washington Improvement Association (MWIA) or the Eric Waller Community Garden at Northwest Park, although they are our friends and partners. If you have a problem with your own account or have questions or suggestions regarding the management of the listserv, contact one of us directly (off-list).