Membership Code of Conduct

As members of Military Veterans in Journalism (MVJ), we are committed to fostering a community that upholds the principles of diversity, integrity, and reliability. MVJ is a nonprofit professional association dedicated to supporting the career growth of veterans in news media, creating a sense of community, and advocating for diversity in newsrooms through veteran hiring and promotion. Our mission is to empower our members while upholding journalistic values. This Code of Conduct outlines the expectations for behavior and engagement within our community.

MVJ members are expected to adhere to the highest standards of journalistic integrity, including accuracy, fairness, and objectivity. Members should strive to produce news content that informs the public and contributes meaningfully to the broader discourse.

MVJ values diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and background. Members are encouraged to actively contribute to a diverse and inclusive news media landscape, both within MVJ and in their professional roles.

MVJ is committed to supporting the career growth of military veterans in journalism. Members should actively engage in mentorship, networking, and knowledge-sharing to empower fellow veterans in their professional journeys.

MVJ members are encouraged to advocate for increased veteran representation in newsrooms and media organizations. Veteran status is itself a diversity metric, but there are many other marginalized groups in the news media industry. Members are expected to generally uphold values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the journalism industry.

All MVJ members should treat fellow members, colleagues, and industry peers with respect and courtesy, fostering an environment of collaboration and mutual support. Members will avoid engaging in discriminatory, offensive, or harassing behavior, and are encouraged to promptly report any such incidents to MVJ leadership.

MVJ encourages our members to actively seek opportunities for professional growth and development within the field of journalism. Members should share knowledge, insights, and experiences with fellow MVJ members to contribute to the collective advancement of our community.

Members should maintain their independence as journalists, avoiding conflicts of interest that could compromise their integrity. Prioritize reliability in reporting and strive for accuracy in all journalistic endeavors.

Members must comply with all applicable laws and the ethical standards governing journalism. Uphold the principles of truthfulness, accountability, and transparency in all professional activities.

Members are encouraged to actively participate in MVJ activities, events, and discussions to contribute to the vibrancy of our community. MVJ asks that members provide constructive feedback and suggestions to help MVJ continually improve and evolve.

By becoming a member of MVJ, you agree to abide by this Code of Conduct. MVJ reserves the right to take appropriate action in response to any violations, including but not limited to warnings, suspension, or revocation of membership. Membership privileges, such as issuance of press passes, shall be subject to adherence to this code of conduct. Offenses reported to MVJ leadership staff may result in a warning, issued by MVJ leadership. In special circumstances, MVJ leadership staff may refer any issues to the MVJ Board, which may vote unanimously to revoke membership status. Members subject to this penalty will be afforded the opportunity to present information to the Board and may appeal the decision by writing to MVJ’s Executive Director.

This Code of Conduct is subject to periodic review and may be updated by MVJ leadership staff to reflect the evolving needs and values of our community.