Our Ethics
As a program of Real World Initiatives, Inc. (“RWI”), ProX strives to create a respectful, engaged, and thoughtful learning environment. Participants, Employers, Coaches, and ProX associates are all expected to exhibit respectfulness in all of their program-related interactions. Discrimination and harassment undermine the program objectives and RWI/ProX prohibits such behavior at or in conjunction with all ProX activities such as convenings, work experiences, and one-on-one interactions.
These expectations are outlined in the ProX handbooks that govern program participation for all Participants, Employers, Coaches, and Contractors.
Prohibited Activities
Student Protection Policy
The safety of all participants in the ProX program is of paramount importance to RWI and ProX. Behaviors or actions that jeopardize the safety of ProX Participants – whether by Participants, Employers, Vendors, Coaches, Volunteers, or others supporting the program – will not be tolerated. The ProX Student Protection Policy has been established to provide guidance on interactions with participants and offer a way to surface any concerns about specific behaviors.
Discrimination and Harassment
Discrimination and harassment based upon an individual’s sex, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, citizenship, or any other legally protected status will not be tolerated, nor will RWI or ProX tolerate other forms of discrimination or harassment that they deem disruptive to the ProX program or any participant’s engagement in it.
Conflict of Interest Policy
All associates of RWI and any individual with decision-making responsibility for RWI and/or ProX must avoid conflicts of interest when carrying out their RWI/ProX responsibilities. Any potential conflict of interest that may be implicated when carrying out such responsibilities must be disclosed to, and authorized by, RWI management before a transaction in which a conflict of interest exists may be finalized. Associates of RWI must follow the conflict-of-interest disclosure process as outlined in RWI’s Conflict of Interest Policy.
Reporting
Despite our aspirations, we know that circumstances arise contrary to our hopes and objectives for ProX programs. So that RWI and/or ProX may correct for, mitigate (including by providing a safe escort), and/or prevent future prohibited behaviors, we must know about it. Therefore, if you believe that:
A student has been subjected to behaviors that violate the ProX Student Protection Policy;
You are being or have been discriminated against as a result of your participation in ProX;
You have observed or reliably learned that someone else is being or has been discriminated against and/or harassed; or
You have any other concerns, it is essential that you contact ProX immediately.
How to Report
There are three ways of reporting: I. contacting law enforcement, II. contacting a ProX Leader, and III. filing an anonymous report through EthicsPoint.
RWI/ProX will make reasonable efforts to ensure that any person who in good faith reports a claim and/or cooperates with investigation of a claim under this policy will not be discriminated against or otherwise adversely affected because of such complaint and/or cooperation.
I. Contact Law Enforcement
If a crime has occurred, you should report directly to law enforcement. Reports regarding abuse of a minor ProX participant may be reported to the Missouri Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-392-3738) or the Kansas Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-922-5300).
II. Contact a ProX Leader
If you would like to reach out to a ProX Leader with your concerns directly, you may fill out a form to contact one of the following:
Confidentiality
RWI/ProX will undertake reasonable efforts to conduct its investigations under this policy in ways that protect the confidentiality of all involved as reasonably possible. However, and despite our efforts, absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. We cannot control what others say or do – despite our efforts to encourage respectful privacy – and it may be necessary to inform those who have a legitimate business reason to know of allegations and identities of those involved.
We strive to do what we can to ensure that identities are protected so that we can obtain adequate information that will allow us to take those actions that are appropriate to implement this policy and facilitate convenings of productive, engaged, and thoughtful exchanges of ideas and respectful interactions among participants.
III. Ethics Reporting Portal
If you prefer to lodge a complaint without disclosing your identity, you may do so through the RWI/ProX Ethics Reporting Portal.
Types of EthicsPoint Reports
Discrimination or Harassment
Reports involving actions or decisions regarding employment, program participation or otherwise on the basis of a protected status (such as race, gender or religion) and/or violations of RWI’s Anti-Discrimination/Anti-Harassment Policy.
Financial Irregularities
Misappropriation of RWI/ProX funds through activities such as evasion of financial controls, conflicts of interest, theft, embezzlement, failure to use grant funds for an intended purpose or similar types of activities.
Misuse of RWI/ProX Assets
Misappropriation of RWI/ProX assets other than money for the benefit/enrichment of someone other than RWI or its program Participant.
Policy/Ethical Violations
Harm that has been caused to a person or organization as a result of the violation of an RWI policy or ethical expectations.
Student-related Concerns
Actions that violate RWI/ProX’s Student Protection Policy or otherwise cause harm to a Student/Participant in an RWI program.
Other