Ethics & independence
Integrity in every institutional relationship.
GLAA’s public commitments to nonpartisanship, responsible engagement, confidentiality and accountability.
Nonpartisanship
A public purpose beyond party affiliation.
GLAA’s institutional identity is independent and nonpartisan. Research, civic learning and dialogue are intended to serve informed participation and constructive problem-solving rather than candidate promotion or political-party representation.
Personal political views of founders, directors, staff or advisors should be distinguished from statements made on behalf of GLAA. A person’s involvement in GLAA does not authorize them to announce an institutional position.
Legal & professional boundaries
Define authority before beginning work.
Each proposed engagement should be reviewed for mission alignment, organizational capacity, conflicts, applicable law and any registration or disclosure requirements. Research, public education, legislative advocacy and client representation are distinct activities and should be scoped accordingly.
GLAA has its Certificate of Formation and EIN, and its federal nonprofit tax-exempt application is pending. Incorporation, an EIN and a pending application do not establish IRS approval or eligibility for a particular grant or contract. Activities and funding arrangements must fit GLAA’s legal status, applicable restrictions and any eventual IRS determination.
Confidentiality
Share information with care.
An initial website inquiry is not a confidential advisory agreement. Do not submit sensitive personal records, privileged material or restricted procurement information through the general form. Formal engagements should establish access, permitted uses, secure exchange, retention and disclosure obligations before protected information is shared.
Requests for confidentiality must be assessed against applicable law, contractual requirements and any public-record obligations. GLAA does not promise absolute confidentiality where disclosure is legally required.
Conflicts of interest
Identify competing interests early.
GLAA’s intended approach is to identify personal, financial and institutional interests that could affect judgment before accepting work or participating in decisions. Potential conflicts should be disclosed to the responsible decision-maker and addressed through documented review, limits on participation, recusal or declining the activity when appropriate.
A formal conflict-of-interest policy and review process are part of GLAA’s governance development. This statement describes the intended standard; it does not claim that a governing board has adopted a policy.
Governmental representation
Relationships do not confer governmental power.
GLAA is not a federal, state, local or foreign government agency. Its name describes an independent liaison and advisory mission. It does not confer diplomatic status, public office, legislative authority or regulatory powers.
No leader, advisor or collaborator may claim authority to speak for a government institution solely through a GLAA relationship. Any authorized representation must have a defined scope and appropriate written authorization. Participation in a meeting does not establish endorsement or a formal partnership.
Accountability
Document commitments. Correct the record.
- Distinguish evidence, interpretation, recommendations and unresolved questions.
- Set a written scope, responsible owner, deliverables and review points for formal work.
- Identify funding conditions and maintain appropriate records of time, expenses and activities.
- Obtain permission before announcing partners or using names and logos.
- Correct material errors and update status information when verified.
- Direct ethics concerns to the founder’s office through the Contact page; use an appropriate independent authority when a concern involves the recipient.
These public standards guide institutional development. Corporate policies, delegated authority and formal reporting procedures will be identified as they are reviewed and adopted.