GALA Code of Conduct and NDA

This Code of Conduct was updated 23 January 2020.

The GALA Member Code of Conduct defines standards of behavior for the members in their professional relationships within GALA, not the members' business practices or financial management outside of GALA.

GALA’s services do not extend to mediating payment issues or complaints that arise between member companies.  As a non-profit association, we do not have the resources, nor is it our mission to police members’ business activities in the way of a consumer protection organization such as Better Business Bureau.

Preamble

GALA aims to support the growth and development of our members and our sector, foster a spirit of open exchange, and drive industry progress.

GALA values leadership, inclusivity, cooperation, global representation, innovation, progress, and professionalism.  The association is vendor and technology agnostic, a place for open communication and collaboration among member companies.

This agreement is formulated to support the above aims and core association values.  It contains standards of behavior for the members in their professional relationships within GALA.

When member companies join or renew their membership in GALA, they are affirming that they agree to this code of conduct.

Ethical Behavior

GALA maintains the highest ethical and legal standards in its activities and expects the same of its members. GALA values inclusion, transparency, and fair conduct. As such, GALA pledges to honor and promote among its members and partners the highest standards of ethical business conduct. 

Professionalism

All members share a serious responsibility for GALA’s trusted community environment.  Collaboration and sharing among members require all members to uphold the highest degree of professional conduct.  Members must behave conscientiously, honestly, and with integrity when performing volunteer duties or when interacting with other members.   

Conflicts of Interest

Members must not use their positions, or the knowledge gained because of their positions, for private or personal advantage.  Furthermore, members will not represent themselves as volunteers, experts, or project leaders so as to imply or advance personal or company sales, leads, or other gain.  

Public Affairs

All members share a serious responsibility for GALA’s good public relations.  Members must take care to separate their personal roles from their association positions when communicating on matters not involving association business. When communicating publicly, members must not presume to speak on behalf of GALA on any topic, unless they are certain that the views they express are those of GALA, and are certain that it is the association’s desire that such views be publicly disseminated.

When dealing with anyone outside GALA, members must take care not to compromise the integrity or damage the reputation of either GALA, or any outside individual, business, or government body.

Confidential Information

Members must comply with all applicable copyright and intellectual property laws, as well as any related guidelines issued by GALA.

Members will uphold trust and confidentiality regarding information disclosed in member-only forums or in the course of other member communications.  Each member agrees that such information is to be considered confidential and does not become the property of the member. Members agree to maintain the confidentiality of all confidential information using the same degree of care they use to protect their own confidential information. 

Anti-Trust

Members are prohibited from activities that encourage or facilitate members or others to arrive at any agreement that either expressly or by implication leads to price fixing, a boycott of another’s business, or other conduct intended to illegally restrict free trade. Activities that encourage or facilitate an agreement about the following subjects is inappropriate: prices, discounts, or terms or conditions of sale; salaries; profits, profit margins, or cost data; market shares, sales territories, or markets; allocation of customers or territories; or selection, rejection, or termination of customers or suppliers.

Indemnification

In the event that any third party brings any action, arbitration or other legal proceeding against GALA arising from any breach by the member of this agreement, the member shall indemnify GALA for any losses, including reasonable legal fees and court costs arising from said breach. The amount shall not exceed 50,000 USD.

Complaints

GALA will promptly investigate complaints of Code of Conduct violations as appropriate on a case-by-case basis at GALA’s discretion.  If a member has been determined to be in violation of GALA’s Code of Conduct, the violation shall be evaluated by GALA’s Board of Directors to determine the appropriate response and action, at the Board’s sole discretion. In making such determination, the Board will comply with all the relevant anti-trust and other applicable laws. If the member does not agree with the Board's decision, the Board will provide the member an opportunity to follow an appeal process.