The large community of 21/64 Certified Advisors collectively contributed to this body of Principles of Practice which codify and document the way 21/64 Certified Advisors approach our work, manage business and connect to our community and the field. These ethical norms are integral to the 21/64 Certified Advisor designation and are aligned with 21/64’s values (link to be provided) and approach.
21/64 Certified Advisors are individuals from a range of industries, ethnicities and countries. Our common thread is in how we help others make more strategic decisions around their time, talent, treasure and ties through an understanding of their identity and values. We aim for this transformative work to have positive impact on relationships with self and family, local community and the global world.
Therefore, we hope that this will not only be relevant to those interested in embodying this approach in your work, but that these Principles of Practice will help uplift your acclaim and credibility in the field as you continue to advise others to allocate resources toward positive social change.
In order to keep your designation in good standing, we ask that you revisit these principles and renew your agreement annually, which also allows your access to 21/64 Certified Advisor exclusive ongoing connection and learning. Violations of these principles may be subject to the reversal of the 21/64 Certified Advisor designation upon Peer Review Process.
Principles:
Self
- I operate with honesty, integrity and professionalism with whomever I’m working, including but not limited to colleagues, clients, donors, grantees and organizational partners in my sector.
- I strive to do no harm and to improve the impact of multigenerational family philanthropy and related enterprises.
- I agree with 21/64’s statement on racial justice and in my own work strive for diversity, equity and inclusiveness in my content and process in an effort to contribute to just and equitable outcomes for a society that is ever-changing.
- I commit to actively listen, lift up others’ voices and learn from others’ lived experiences and knowledge in ways that are authentic, respectful and not extractive.
- I respect the ideas and intellectual property of 21/64 and my colleagues, and therefore I will uphold the legal and best practice of citing references appropriately and seek permission from 21/64 before adapting tools.
Role
- I respect confidentiality and will maintain appropriate levels of privacy within the donor, client and family system. I will be transparent about this and will only inform appropriate authorities if there is illegal activity or imminent or likely risk of danger to self or to others.
- I serve clients/donors within the scope of my expertise and recognize the advice and guidance I am qualified, and not qualified, to give.
- I am committed to taking a consultative approach to serving my clients/donors and putting their wishes and vision before the advancement of myself or my firm/organization.
- I recognize clarity of purpose is part of the success of doing this work and I’ll do my best to seek and offer this clarity to my clients/donors and integrate it into my business practice whenever possible.
- I will disclose any conflict of interest appropriately before undertaking the work.
Field
- I strive to build an environment of collegiality and mutual respect among professionals in this network and the larger field in which I work.
- I understand this is a generous community. I’ll contribute ideas and resources if I can and value the social connection and community building that takes place through collaboration.
- I will not knowingly state untrue or misleading information publicly and will not misrepresent or demean my professional peers.
- I avoid even the appearance of any criminal offense or professional misconduct.
- I will encourage fellow 21/64 Certified Advisors to embrace and practice these principles and help hold each other accountable.