Board Members of the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association are required each year to certify acceptance of the organization’s Code of Conduct, and make a Conflict of Interest Disclosure.
Please complete the form on this page. When you submit Code of Conduct Certification, you will be directed to the Conflict of Interest Disclosure form. You must complete that form as well.
Thank you
MINNESOTA BLUEGRASS AND OLD-TIME MUSIC ASSOCIATION
Board of Directors’ Code of Conduct
and
Statement of Agreement to Board Responsibilities and Expectations
Approved November 19, 2025
As a Board member, I pledge to do my best for MBOTMA and will:
- Devote the time needed to fulfill the responsibilities of the position;
- Prepare for, actively participate in, and regularly attend Board meetings, assigned committee meetings, trainings, and MBOTMA’s annual planning retreat;
- Be honest, helpful, diligent, and respectful in my dealings with the organization, with other Board members, and with the organization’s management, staff, and members;
- Respect the rights of others – Board members, staff, and members – to communicate their ideas free from interruption and without intimidation, and strictly comply with the MBOTMA Non-Discrimination Policy. This includes behavior specific to Board meetings, such as refraining from offensive conduct, personal attack, and abusive domination of debate;
- Maintain confidentiality as needed to protect the organization’s interests and financial viability, acknowledging the rights of members or the public as set forth in the Bylaws and state or federal law; and continue to honor confidentiality after leaving Board service;
- Disclose any personal or organizational conflict of interest that I may have and refrain from discussing or voting on any issues related to that conflict;
- Refrain from any self-dealing or any conduct of private business, personal services, or financial arrangements with the organization unless fully disclosed to and approved by the Board;
- Work for continued and increased effectiveness in the organization’s ability to serve its mission;
- Be a team player and agree to abide by the majority action of the Board, even if it is not my own personal opinion;
- Refrain from asking for special privileges as a Board member;
- Recognize my lack of authority to speak or act on behalf of the organization alone unless explicitly delegated that authority by action of the Board;
- Refrain from public or online actions or statements, including those that are contrary to the principles expressed in the organization’s nondiscrimination, disability inclusion, sexual harassment and harassment policies, which could negatively affect the reputation of the organization, its fundraising efforts, membership drives, event promotions or sponsorships.
Work to ensure all elections are open, fair, and encourage the participation of all members; - Strive to keep members informed of the organization’s status and plans, and of the Board’s work, as appropriate;
- Continually seek to learn more about the organization and its operations and about my responsibilities as a Board member by pursuing educational opportunities.
The MBOTMA Board President retains all powers under Robert’s Rules of Order and the MBOTMA Non-Discrimination Policy to enact a proper remedy for violation of paragraph 4, above.
Any Board member who blatantly or repeatedly violates the Board Code of Conduct shall resign from the Board or may be removed in accordance with the Bylaws.
All Board members annually, and a new Board member at or before his/her first Board meeting, will complete the Statement of Agreement to Board Responsibilities and Expectations.
