Member Code of Conduct

International Association for Creative Arts in Education and Therapy (IACAET)

IACAET Member Code of Conduct

Version 1.0

July 2026

Purpose

The International Association for Creative Arts in Education and Therapy (IACAET) is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, professional, and collaborative international community.

This Member Code of Conduct establishes the standards of behavior expected of individuals and organizations participating in IACAET membership, leadership, events, committees, programs, and activities.

The purpose of this Code is to promote a safe, respectful, and constructive environment that supports learning, professional exchange, international collaboration, and the advancement of creative arts in education, therapy, health, and related fields.

1. Scope of Application

This Code applies to:

• Individual Members
• Student Members
• Organizational Members
• Board of Directors Members
• Executive Committee Members
• Committee Members
• Regional Representatives
• Volunteers
• Conference, Webinar, and Event Participants
• Individuals acting on behalf of IACAET in an official capacity

All individuals and organizations participating in IACAET activities are expected to comply with this Code.

2. Respect and Professional Conduct

Collaborate in good faith and contribute to a constructive, professional collegial community. Members shall:

• Treat others with dignity, courtesy, and respect.
• Engage in professional, constructive, and respectful communication.
• Respect differing perspectives, experiences, and viewpoints.
• Promote a welcoming and supportive environment.
• Refrain from disruptive, hostile, or abusive behavior.

3. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Members shall:

• Respect diversity in culture, language, nationality, ethnicity, gender, age, ability, religion, and professional background.
• Promote equitable participation and inclusion.
• Refrain from discriminatory or exclusionary behavior.
• Support intercultural understanding and collaboration.

4. Harassment and Abuse

IACAET does not tolerate harassment, bullying, intimidation, discrimination, exploitation, or abuse.

Members shall not:

• Engage in verbal, written, physical, or online harassment.
• Threaten, intimidate, or deliberately humiliate others.
• Use discriminatory or hateful language.
• Engage in retaliatory behavior against individuals who raise concerns in good faith.

5. Professional Integrity and Honest Representation

Members shall:

• Represent themselves honestly and accurately.
• Avoid false or misleading statements regarding qualifications, credentials, affiliations, or experience.
• Respect the reputation and integrity of IACAET.
• Avoid conduct that knowingly damages the reputation of the association or its members.

6. Responsible Use of Membership and Affiliation

Members shall:

• Use IACAET membership status appropriately.
• Not imply endorsement, approval, accreditation, certification, or recognition by IACAET where none exists.
• Not misuse the IACAET name, logo, publications, or resources.
• Respect IACAET policies regarding branding, communications, and public representation.

7. Political Neutrality and Professional Independence

As an international professional association, IACAET maintains political neutrality and does not endorse political parties, candidates, or partisan political movements.

Members participating in IACAET activities or representing the Association shall:

• Respect the political, cultural, and social diversity of the international community.
• Refrain from using IACAET meetings, events, publications, communications, social media platforms, or official activities to promote partisan political agendas unrelated to the Association’s mission.
• Not present personal political opinions as official positions of IACAET without authorization from the Executive Committee.
• Promote respectful dialogue and professional collaboration across national, cultural, and political boundaries.

Nothing in this Code restricts members’ rights to hold or express personal political opinions in their private capacity. However, when acting on behalf of IACAET, members are expected to uphold the Association’s neutrality, independence, and international character.

8. Conferences, Meetings, and Online Activities

Members participating in IACAET conferences, webinars, meetings, online forums, and social media activities shall:

• Contribute respectfully and constructively.
• Respect event guidelines and facilitator instructions.
• Avoid disruptive conduct.
• Respect the privacy and confidentiality of participants where appropriate.
• Obtain appropriate permission before recording, distributing, or sharing materials when required.

9. Intellectual Property and Creative Works

Members shall:

• Respect intellectual property rights.
• Properly acknowledge the work of others.
• Avoid plagiarism and unauthorized use of materials.
• Respect participant-created artistic work and creative contributions.

10. Compliance with Laws and Policies

Members are expected to:

• Comply with applicable laws and regulations within their jurisdiction.
• Follow relevant IACAET policies, procedures, and governance documents.
• Cooperate with legitimate reviews conducted under IACAET procedures.

11. Reporting Concerns

Members are encouraged to raise concerns regarding conduct that may violate this Code.

Concerns may be submitted in accordance with the IACAET Ethics and Professional Conduct Procedures.

Individuals who raise concerns in good faith shall not be subject to retaliation.

12. Outcomes for Violations

Violations of this Code may result in one or more of the following actions:

• Educational guidance
• Informal resolution
• Written warning
• Suspension of membership
• Restriction from participation in IACAET activities
• Termination of membership
• Other actions deemed appropriate under the IACAET Ethics and Professional Conduct Procedures

Commitment to the Code

By joining or participating in IACAET activities, members agree to uphold the principles and expectations outlined in this Member Code of Conduct.

The Code supports IACAET’s mission of advancing ethical, inclusive, and internationally informed practice in creative arts education, therapy, health, and related fields.

Approved by: International Association for Creative Arts in Education and Therapy (IACAET)