This Code of Conduct is designed to provide all Wine & Food Foundation (WFF) volunteers with a set of principles and expectations for appropriate conduct and behavior.

All volunteers shall abide by and conform to these professional standards:

●      Volunteers shall act honestly and ethically while performing volunteer duties.

●      Volunteers shall treat all WFF employees, volunteers, board members, and community members with respect, courtesy, and dignity.

●      Volunteers shall not discriminate and shall be respectful of ethnic, national, and cultural differences.

●      Volunteers shall not harass, bully, or mistreat staff or other volunteers.

●      Volunteers shall obey all applicable local, state, and federal laws, while acting on behalf of the Society, including all laws and regulations that govern appropriate conduct in the workplace.

●      Volunteers shall deter wrongdoing and ensure accountability for adherence to the Code of Conduct.

●      Volunteers shall report violations or suspected violations of the Code of Conduct. Violations should be reported to the assigned staff partner, their manager, or eventsteam@winefoodfoundation.org

●      Volunteers shall seek assistance if they have questions about any volunteer guidelines, including the Code of Conduct. If a staff member or volunteer has any questions or concerns about the code of conduct or wishes to file a formal complaint, they may contact eventsteam@winefoodfoundation.org

Our policies, procedures, and guidelines are updated regularly as new situations emerge. Both volunteers and staff are expected to comply with WFF policies including those described in this document. Failure to comply may be grounds for disqualification and/or removal.

WFF requests volunteers and staff be reliable and punctual in reporting for scheduled volunteer activities. While WFF will attempt to be flexible in all cases, volunteers are expected to notify a staff member if they will be absent or late, so arrangements can be made for handling their responsibilities.

Bullying may rise to the level of harassment and is therefore prohibited. Bullying is defined as unwelcome or unreasonable behavior that demeans, intimidates, or humiliates people, either as individuals or as a group. Bullying behavior is often persistent and part of a pattern, but it can also occur as a single incident. Some examples of bullying behavior include but are not limited to: abusive and offensive language, insults, teasing, and spreading rumors. It can also include a manipulation of the work environment or psychological manipulation.

Business-related activities must be conducted free from the influence of alcohol and illegal drugs. During business functions where alcohol is served, volunteers and employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner. Volunteers may be permitted – at the discretion of WFF – to engage in wine tasting as part of our usual event programming, and are expected to behave in responsibly, professionally, and in accordance with the WFF Code of Conduct

Texas Law and TABC Requirements

A.     The Wine and Food Foundation shall adhere to all relevant Texas laws regarding alcohol service and TABC requirements.

B.     All volunteers assigned to work roles where job duties include serving and pouring alcohol will be required to provide proof of TABC certification.

Work Policy

A.     WFF Volunteers who require prescription drugs which impair their ability to work should alert WFF Volunteer Supervisor to their required absences and not report to work.

B.     Misuse of alcohol, use of illegal drugs, or controlled substances is prohibited. The following are strictly prohibited by WFF.

1.     Possession, use, or being under the influence of an illegal drug or controlled substance while on the job.

2.     Unauthorized possession, unauthorized use of alcohol, being intoxicated by alcohol while on the job. Intoxication shall have the meaning ascribed by the Texas Penal Code.

3.     Driving a WFF vehicle or your own vehicle for a WFF related purpose while under the influence of alcohol or an illegal drug or controlled substance.

4.     Distribution, sale or purchase of, or offer to sell or purchase an illegal drug or controlled substance while on the job.

C.    Violation of the above rules and standards of conduct will not be tolerated and will be grounds for dismissal from your work assignments and removal from the WFF Volunteer Roster. Dependent on the severity of the infraction WFF may also bring the matter to the attention of appropriate law enforcement authorities.

Minors and ID Verification

A.     WFF does not serve anyone under the age of 21 (even if accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or spouse although this is allowed under the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code. WFF has the right to deny service to anyone)

B.     WFF verifies age through the event registration process. Notwithstanding, volunteers who suspect underage patrons should alert WFF staff.

Event Attendees

A.     All event attendees are expected to follow all local, state, and national laws relating to the consumption of alcohol.

B.     WFF staff and event staff do not serve intoxicated patrons.

C.    If volunteer staff is concerned that someone appears to be intoxicated, staff must not serve any alcohol to them and alert WFF staff to make the final determination.

Incident Log

A.     If there is an incident where a WFF staff member is involved with an intoxicated individual that was told they would not be served; a situation where it was suspected an individual was using a fake, borrowed, or stolen ID; a situation where individuals were informed they would have to stop intoxicated behavior; or anything else of a substantial nature there will be a log entry made by the appropriate WFF Staff.

B.     The log entry should include a description of the incident, the WFF Staff person, ate, time, any witnesses (other WFF Staff, board members or volunteers), name of patron if known and steps taken.

Serving in a volunteer position requires good judgment and management of reasonable risks. All volunteers will be given a general orientation and a specific training to understand and manage the risks in carrying out their specific jobs. Volunteers will be required to comply with company policy and to conduct business at the direction of WFF and within the scope of their duties as a volunteer. This will help minimize the risk of liability to WFF and reduce the risk of injury (physical or economic) to the volunteer and the people the volunteer associates with or tries to help.

WFF indemnifies its volunteers against liability incurred while performing their volunteer duties conducted at the request of WFF. WFF purchases and maintains insurance policies, wherein volunteers are additional insureds, to provide the financial ability to fully indemnify, defend and settle any claims of liability.

WFF is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for both staff and volunteers.

Volunteers who do not comply with the Code of Conduct may be subject to disciplinary action, including and up to disqualification and/or removal.