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Code of Conduct

Rise supports promising young people and provides them with opportunities that allow them to work together to serve others over their lifetimes.

Rise is committed to maintaining the highest degree of ethical conduct among all those who participate in or work on the program. This Code of Conduct sets out the expectations that apply to all individuals who engage with Rise at any stage.

For the purposes of this Code:

  • Rise Participants include Rise Finalists, Rise Fellows, and any individual taking part in Rise activities who is not a Rise Representative.
  • Rise Representatives include staff, consultants, contractors, partner organizations, and any person acting on behalf of Rise.

Aim

This Code aims to ensure that everyone involved in Rise feels safe, respected, and valued. Rise places a high value on integrity and empathy and requires all individuals to operate under those guiding principles.

Rise Participants and Rise Representatives are from around the world and embody a diversity of backgrounds, personal traits, and opinions. Rise greatly values that diversity. This Code does not aim to limit academic freedom or prevent disagreement, but asks that all individuals engage with one another with a spirit of respect, dialogue, and generosity.

This Code should be read alongside the Rise Safeguarding Policy, the Disciplinary and Dismissal Policy, and other activity- or event-specific guidelines.

Scope

By agreeing to this Code, you confirm that you understand and agree to follow its principles:

  • During all interactions with the Rise program
  • During all Rise events and activities, whether in person or online
  • On all Rise-related platforms
  • When interacting with Rise Participants or Rise Representatives
  • When acting on behalf of Rise

 

This Code:

  • Identifies acceptable and unacceptable behavior
  • Promotes cooperation, honesty, fairness, and respect
  • Requires individuals to take responsibility for their own behavior
  • Explains how concerns may be raised

Core Expectations

All Rise Participants and Rise Representatives are expected to:

  • Follow applicable laws
  • Follow Rise policies and procedures
  • Act in a way that positively represents the Rise program
  • Treat others with respect
  • Recognize and respect the rights and dignity of others
  • Act honestly and with integrity
  • Respect personal boundaries
  • Respect the privacy of others
  • Use appropriate language and behavior
  • Speak up if they feel unsafe or are concerned about someone else’s safety
  • Take responsibility for their own behavior

Individuals must not:

  • Harass, threaten, or bully others
  • Use inappropriate, abusive, or offensive language
  • Misrepresent their role within the Rise program
  • Misuse the Rise name, logo, or affiliation
  • Share private information without permission
  • Retaliate against any person who raises a good faith concern
  • Exclude or discriminate against any person on the basis of identity or background
  • Act in a way that would lead a reasonable person to question their intentions or bring Rise into disrepute

 

Additional Expectations for Rise Representatives

In undertaking duties for Rise, directly or indirectly, Rise Representatives agree that they will:

  • Maintain the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity
  • Avoid any conduct that could be seen as inappropriate or an abuse of trust
  • Avoid being alone with participants under the age of 18 whenever possible
  • Report safeguarding concerns in accordance with the Rise Safeguarding Policy
  • Disclose without delay any matter that may affect their suitability to work with children or adults at risk
  • Address unsafe, unlawful, or inappropriate behavior when observed through appropriate procedures

 

Additional Expectations for Rise Participants

Rise Participants agree that they will:

  • Follow all rules related to selection, programming, and funding
  • Be honest in all interactions, applications and submissions, including accurately reporting achievements, circumstances, and background
  • Not rely upon unauthorized assistance
  • Not interfere with or undermine another Rise Participant’s application or standing in the program, school, or profession
  • Participate in required programming when applicable

 

Failure to follow these rules may result in disciplinary action, including loss of status or benefits.

 

Reporting Violations of this Code of ConductEveryone is expected to help ensure that Rise activities are safe and respectful environments. Any violations or good faith suspected violations of this Code of Conduct should be reported to a Rise staff member in person or by email rise@risefortheworld.org.

 

Last Update: April 6, 2026