2027 Leadership Letter, Consent to Serve, and Code of Conduct

Purpose
Leadership within the Women’s Council of REALTORS® is both a privilege and a responsibility rooted in service to our members. This Annual Leadership Commitment reaffirms the shared values, leadership behaviors, and communication standards expected of those entrusted to lead, and supports a culture where members, leaders, and networks are respected, protected, and able to thrive.

This Commitment complements and reinforces the Women’s Council Code of Conduct and Consent to Serve and is required annually of all leaders serving at the local, state, and national levels.

Annual Leadership Commitment

Uphold Our Governing Standards
I acknowledge that I have reviewed, understand, and agree to uphold the Women’s Council Code of Conduct and Consent to Serve, recognizing these documents establish consistent leadership standards across the organization.

Lead with Integrity and Professionalism
I commit to conducting myself with integrity, respect, and professionalism, understanding that my words and actions reflect on the Women’s Council, its leadership, and the members we serve.

Commit to Healthy, Member-Focused Communication
I commit to communication practices that strengthen trust, alignment, and collaboration, including:
• Engaging in direct, respectful, and timely communication
• Using appropriate leadership channels to raise questions or concerns
• Avoiding triangulation or back-channel discussions that create division
• Supporting transparency and open dialogue that advances the mission and serves our members

Practice Healthy Dissent with Alignment
I understand that diverse perspectives are encouraged prior to decisions. Once decisions are made, I commit to unity, alignment, and respectful support of agreed-upon direction in service to our members and the organization.

Embrace Accountability as a Leadership Responsibility
I recognize that accountability is an essential component of leadership. I understand that failure to uphold this Annual Leadership Commitment, the Code of Conduct, or the Consent to Serve may impact leadership eligibility, in accordance with established governance processes.

 

 

I agree to serve as an elected or appointed volunteer leader of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® for the 2027 term. I acknowledge and accept my fiduciary and ethical obligations to act in the best interests of the Council, its members, and the communities we serve. I hereby commit to the following standards and responsibilities:

Duties of Leadership
Duty of Care: I will act in the best interests of the members of the Women’s Council of REALTORS®, recognizing that leadership is a responsibility of service. I will be prepared, present, and informed, exercise sound and independent judgment, and make decisions that advance the mission, protect the integrity of the Council, and deliver value to its members.

Duty of Loyalty: I will place the interests of the members and the Women’s Council of REALTORS® above personal, professional, local, or state interests. I will avoid conflicts of interest and act in a manner that strengthens trust, unity, and the long-term success of the Council.

Duty of Obedience: I will uphold and support the mission, governing documents, and lawful decisions of the Women’s Council of REALTORS®, even when I may personally disagree, understanding that consistency and alignment are essential to serving our members effectively.

Duty of Confidentiality: I will respect and protect confidential Council information and will not discuss such matters outside of authorized settings without express permission from the National President.

Duty of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: I will actively foster a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and ensures all members feel seen, heard, and supported.

Duty of Professional Representation: I will not speak or act on behalf of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® unless specifically authorized to do so. I understand that as a leader, my words and actions carry influence and reflect on the Council at all times, and I will uphold the highest standards of professionalism, judgment, and integrity in service to our members.

Ethical Commitment
As a REALTOR® leader, I agree to uphold the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics.

Attendance Policy
I agree to be fully present and actively engaged at all required meetings. More than one unexcused absence may result in a leadership review in accordance with the Conduct & Accountability provisions of this Consent to Serve.

Sexual Harassment & Discrimination Policy
Sexual harassment and discrimination are strictly prohibited. Any member who believes they have experienced or witnessed such conduct should promptly report the concern to the Women’s Council Leadership Team, National Liaisons, or National Staff.

Social Media Policy
Leaders must maintain professionalism, accuracy, confidentiality, and respect in all communications and social media activity. Violations of this policy are subject to review under the Conduct & Accountability provisions of this Consent to Serve.

Conduct & Accountability
Any disregard for Council procedures, failure to follow guidelines, or conduct inconsistent with the expectations outlined in this Consent to Serve will be reviewed when necessary by the National President and members of the Leadership Team, in consultation with the Council’s CEO. Reviews or investigations will be conducted as appropriate and in accordance with the Council’s bylaws and policies. If a violation of this Consent to Serve is confirmed, appropriate action may be taken, up to and including removal from leadership or membership.

This Code of Conduct establishes the standards of behavior expected of all Women’s Council of REALTORS® leaders and members. It reflects our commitment to serving members first, strengthening trust, and upholding the professionalism, integrity, accountability, and respect that define the Women’s Council community.

Membership & Ethical Standards
Membership in the Women’s Council of REALTORS® is open to REALTORS® in good standing. All members are expected to uphold the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics and to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the mission, values, and leadership standards of the Women’s Council of REALTORS®.
Alleged violations of the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics are addressed through a member’s local Association of REALTORS®, in accordance with established REALTOR® ethics and professional standards procedures.

Professional Representation
Leaders and members will not speak or act on behalf of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® unless specifically authorized to do so. As representatives of a member-driven organization, individuals understand that their words and actions carry influence and reflect on the Council and its members at all times. All conduct and communications—public and private—must uphold the highest standards of professionalism, judgment, and integrity in service to our members and the mission of the Council.

Reporting & Accountability
Concerns regarding conduct inconsistent with this Code may be reviewed by the National President and members of the Leadership Team, in consultation with the Council’s CEO. Reviews or investigations will be conducted as appropriate and in accordance with the Council’s bylaws and policies. If a violation of this Code is confirmed, appropriate action may be taken, consistent with the Council’s commitment to fairness, integrity, and service to its members.

Sexual Harassment & Discrimination
Sexual harassment and discrimination are strictly prohibited. Any member who believes they have experienced or witnessed such conduct should promptly report the concern to the Women’s Council Leadership Team, National Liaisons, or National Staff. Investigations will be conducted as appropriate and in accordance with the Council’s bylaws and policies. Confirmed violations may result in appropriate action, up to and including removal from leadership or membership.

Confidentiality
Confidential Council matters must not be discussed outside of authorized meetings or communications without express permission from the National President or their designee, recognizing that confidentiality protects trust and serves the best interests of our members.

Acknowledgment
Adherence to this Code of Conduct is a condition of leadership and membership within the Women’s Council of REALTORS®. Failure to comply may result in appropriate action in accordance with Council policies.