The purpose of this conduct policy is to define the standards by which all team members of Totus Tuus will strive to act more Christ-like.Please read the statements below and indicate that you understand and agree by checking the appropriate box next to each item.
- Catholicity: I understand that, if hired, I will be expected to act in such a manner as which will agree with all the fundamental teachings of the Catholic Church.
- Personal Responsibility: I understand that, if hired, I will be expected to act in a manner that is responsible with personal possessions, respectful of possessions and property of others, responsible for personal health and well-being.
- Team Responsibility: I understand that, if hired, I will be expected to act in a manner of obedience and cooperation to my Team Leader, and to perform my share of duties equally with the rest of the team.
- Confidentiality: I understand that, if hired, I will be expected to uphold the confidential nature of information from a team member or young person, not disclosing it to those who have no need for any such information.
- Code of Behavior: I understand that, if hired, I will be expected to strive to:
- Respect my dignity, self-worth and value in God’s eyes.
- Respect the dignity, self-worth and value in God’s eyes of other persons.
- Respect the physical property and possessions of otherpersons and institutions.
- Report violations of this Code of Behavior to the appropriate person.
- Inappropriate Conduct: If hired, I will not engage in any of the following behaviors:
- Exclusive Relationships: I will not initiate an exclusive or romantic relationship with a fellow team member, youth retreat participant, host family member, and/or anyone else while traveling as a Totus Tuus Missionary for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.
- Sexual Conduct: I will not have intimate physical contact such as fondling, kissing, and/or sexual intercourse with a fellow team member, youth retreat participant, host family member, and/or anyone else while traveling as a Totus Tuus Missionary for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.
- Sexual Harassment: I will not make participate in: 1) comments of a sexual nature, 2) sexually explicit statements, jokes, stories, etc., 3) unwelcome physical contact.
- Physical Aggressions: I will not physically initiate or resort to the use of physical force with a fellow team member, youth retreat participant, host family member, and/or anyone else while traveling as a Totus Tuus Missionary for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.
- Chemical Abuse: I will not use, manufacture, sell, or distribute alcohol or illegal drugs. I understand that alcohol abuse will not be tolerated. The use of alcohol or illegal drugs in the performance of any part of the Totus Tuus program or while transporting team members to parish locations will not be tolerated. Arriving to the program while under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol is also prohibited. Totus Tuus Missionaries who are at least 21 years of age by the beginning of their employment may, if offered by a host who is also at least 21 years of age, consume no more than one alcoholic beverage including but not limited to wine, beer, liquor, spirits, or any other beverage with alcohol.
- Belligerence: I will not be blatantly and consistently hostile or uncooperative with fellow team members, youth retreat participants, host family members, and/or anyone else while traveling with Totus Tuus of Springfield.
- I understand that the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois has a zero tolerance for abuse and takes all allegations of physical or sexual abuse seriously. I further understand that the employer cooperates fully with the authorities to investigate all cases of alleged abuse. Abuse of minors or vulnerable adults is grounds for immediate dismissal and possible criminal charges.
- Investigative Action:I understand and agree that If I fail to adhere to the standards of appropriate conduct or am accused of inappropriate conduct, the Diocesan Director for Totus Tuus will take the following actions:
- Temporarily remove me from the team, if necessary.
- Investigate all accusations of wrongdoing, interviewing all who have direct involvement in the details of the accusation.
- Initiate appropriate disciplinary action if the investigating findings warrant.
- Disciplinary Action: I understand that if I am guilty of violating the Personal Conduct Policy, I will face one or more of the following disciplinary actions:
- Cautionary Report
- Probationary Period
- Temporary Suspension
- Dismissal
Further, I understand and agree that, if the investigation reveals that any civil or criminal laws may have been broken, the Diocesan Director will contact appropriate law enforcement officials and that, because it is impossible to list all types of violations to this Code of Conduct, the Diocesan Director reserves the right to act upon any actions deemed inappropriate.