Code of Conduct

Ethical Standards for AfroPulse Youth Initiative Community

AYI Mission Alignment: This Code of Conduct outlines the ethical, professional, and civic standards expected of all individuals associated with AfroPulse Youth Initiative (AYI), including staff, mentors, mentees, entrepreneurs, ambassadors, and partners. It ensures we uphold our mission to transform youth potential into tangible economic and civic contributions, bridging the Mentorship Gap, Incubation Gap, and Peace and Productivity Gap.

1. Core Ethical Principles

All HFA participants and associates must commit to the following core principles:

Integrity

Act with honesty, fairness, and transparency in all interactions and communications. Avoid any form of misrepresentation or fraud regarding qualifications, project progress, or use of HFA resources.

Respect

Treat all individuals with dignity and courtesy, regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, political affiliation, or socio-economic background.

Accountability

Take responsibility for your actions, commitments, and the outcomes of your participation in HFA programs, especially concerning the rigorous Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework.

Non-Discrimination & Non-Harassment

HFA maintains a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment), intimidation, or bullying.

2. Professional and Programmatic Standards

A. HFA Career Accelerator (Mentorship)

•
Professional Boundaries: Mentors and Mentees must maintain clear, professional boundaries. The relationship is strictly for guidance and career development, as defined within the structured 6-month commitment.
•
Confidentiality: Mentors must respect the confidentiality of personal and professional information shared by their mentees. Mentees must respect the professional and proprietary information shared by their mentors. Exceptions apply only where disclosure is legally required or necessary to prevent harm.
•
Commitment: Participants must honor the agreed-upon schedules, communication methods, and duration of the mentorship program.

B. HFA Innovation Lab (Incubation)

•
Intellectual Property (IP): Participants must respect the IP of all other enterprises within the Lab. Misappropriation or unauthorized use of another enterprise's ideas, models, or proprietary information is strictly prohibited.
•
Financial Integrity: Enterprises receiving HFA seed funding or support must use those resources exclusively for the approved project purposes and maintain accurate, transparent financial records subject to HFA review.
•
Accurate Reporting: Enterprises must provide truthful and verifiable data for M&E purposes regarding project milestones, securing external investment, and achieving product-market fit.

3. Active Citizenship and Peacebuilding

•
Civic Responsibility: All HFA graduates and participants are expected to embody the values of active citizenship, using their skills and influence to promote community progress and sustainable development, fulfilling the Peacebuilding pillar.
•
Conflict Resolution: In all HFA-related forums and community interactions, participants must commit to peaceful dialogue, de-escalation, and non-violent conflict resolution. HFA strictly prohibits the promotion of violence, hate speech, or political extremism.
•
Payback Pledge: Graduates must honor their Payback Pledge/Community Project commitment, reinforcing the "closed-loop ecosystem" by contributing time, resources, or mentorship to future HFA cohorts or their communities.

4. Use of HFA Resources and Name

•
Resource Use: HFA funds, equipment, facilities, and proprietary materials must be used solely for HFA-related activities and purposes.
•
Representation: Participants are authorized to state their status (e.g., HFA Mentor, HFA Alumnus) but must not speak on behalf of HFA to the media, government, or external bodies without explicit, written authorization from HFA leadership.
•
Branding: The HFA name and logo must not be used to endorse any commercial product, political position, or personal venture without prior organizational approval.

5. Reporting and Consequences of Violation

Reporting Mechanism:

Any violation of this Code of Conduct should be reported promptly and confidentially to the AYI Ethics and Compliance Office at ethics@afropulseyouth.org. AYI guarantees protection against retaliation for good-faith reporting.

Disciplinary Action:

Violations of this Code of Conduct will be thoroughly investigated and may result in disciplinary action up to and including:

Immediate suspension or permanent termination from all HFA programs.
Forfeiture of seed funding or resource support.
Revocation of HFA certification or alumnus status.

I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to abide by the AfroPulse Youth Initiative (AYI) Code of Conduct as a condition of my participation and association with the organization.

Contact Ethics & Compliance

AYI Ethics and Compliance Office

Email: ethics@afropulseyouth.org

All reports are treated confidentially and with protection against retaliation.