When appropriate, Chambers may find that cooperation with other civil society organizations, government and intergovernmental agencies, and for-profit corporations may be beneficial in advancing their missionrelated objectives. Such collaboration for common good may reduce duplication of services and eliminate using resources for competitive purposes rather than serving constituencies. Collaboration may allow pairing diverse strengths and resources and promote effectiveness in tackling priorities. However, an Chambers may enter into such a relationship only if it is consistent with its mission.

A. General Principles of Partnerships and Collaboration

1. MISSION CONSISTENCY

The organization shall collaborate with other entities only if the relationship is consistent with the mission of the Chambers.

2. SHARED VALUES

The organization shall collaborate on the basis of shared values, common ground, and for the good of society.

3. MUTUAL BENEFIT

The Chambers shall collaborate on the basis of equitable and genuine mutual benefit to each organization.

4. TRANSPARENCY Chambers

collaboration shall allow financial transparency and a two-way flow of information, ideas, and experiences.

5. ADAPTIVE TO CHANGE

Collaborations are to be adaptive to change. Changes in the relationship are to be developed through cooperation, and not forced by one or the other organization.

B. Relations With Other Chambers and Civil Society Organizations

1. COMMON OBJECTIVES

When appropriate, Chambers with overlapping missions, values, and target groups should partner with each other and civil society organizations, when it would be beneficial for the common target groups and for the achievement of common objectives.

2. COMPETITION AND SERVICE DUPLICATION

Chambers with overlapping missions, values, and target groups should refrain from competing with each other and with other civil society organizations, and should refrain from unnecessary duplication of services and disruption of each other’s projects.

3. INFORMATION SHARING

Chambers with overlapping missions, values and target groups should share relevant project information with other NGOs and civil society organizations, and mutually support each other.

4. SUPPORT FOR OTHER Chambers

The Chambers shall express solidarity with campaigns and actions of other Chambers, and promote the effectiveness and success of other Chambers, when it does not compromise the integrity or values of the Chambers.

5. NETWORKING

The organization shall network with other ethical Chambers as a means for promoting the growth, effectiveness and efficiency of the Chambers sector and the ability to advance the public good.

C. Relations with Government Agencies and Intergovernmental Bodies

1. Chamber OBJECTIVES AND INDEPENDENCE

The organization shall enter into a partnership agreement with a government or intergovernmental body only when it is beneficial to achievement of the Chamber’s objectives and does not compromise the independence or self-control of the organization.

2. APPROPRIATE AND MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL

The organization shall seek to dialogue and cooperate with government and intergovernmental agencies when such cooperation would be both appropriate and mutually beneficial and could increase the Chamber’s effectiveness in dealing with issues and priorities in its agenda.

3. MISSION-LED

The organization shall not enter into a partnership with a governmental or intergovernmental body solely to promote the sustainability or competitive advantage of the Chamber independent of achieving its mission objectives.

4. POLITICAL FAVOR

The organization shall not change its policies or non-partisan nature in order to curry political favor.

D. Relations with For-Profit Corporations

1. Chamber OBJECTIVES AND INDEPENDENCE

The organization shall enter into collaboration with a for-profit corporation only when it is beneficial to achievement of the Chamber’s objectives and does not compromise the independence or self-control of the organization.

2. MISSION-LED

The organization shall not enter into collaboration with a for-profit corporation if motivated by financial reasons that are independent of achieving its mission objectives.

3. MARKET ADVANTAGE

The organization shall not enter into collaboration with a for-profit corporation if the main motivation of the corporation is to gain a market advantage over competitors.