It occurred to me over the New Year's weekend, as I wrote my annual affirmations, that it would be a wonderful idea to start the year off by sending you a copy of the updated WITI Code of Ethics and Philosophy to set the tone for WITI's stand over the next year. I believe it is the WITI Code of Ethics and Philosophy that has always been central to the "soul" of WITI. So, what better way to launch our New Year than to take a stand for what we do believe and share it with others around the world - how powerful could that be???

It would be great to hear from each of you what you would like to add about what WITI stands for from your perspective; you can either post your thoughts on our discussion boards or send them to editor@corp.witi.com. We will share your comments in newsletters and other forms of media throughout the year.

This Code of Ethics and Philosophy captures the essence of what I want WITI to stand for. When I started WITI back in 1989, my intention was to create a very proactive, business-centric network, to support women fulfilling their dreams and aspirations. Not to get angry at corporations that "don't get it", but to educate them on the business value behind building an inclusive environment. We have come a long way in the past 15 years, and 2005 is the year for MAJOR breakthroughs.

WITI Is Committed To Your Success
The WITI Dream Circle, "Exploring your Life's Mission" teleclass, WITI's National Conference, WITI GEN, and the Local Network meetings are all designed to support your producing extraordinary results in 2005 and beyond. I encourage all of you to use WITI to have breakthrough results in your professional lives. Leverage our relationships, use our tools, use the WITI network to acquire wealth, influence for our shared purpose of using our talents, resources and intelligence to make a difference around the world.

Our very best to each of you and your families for a healthy, prosperous and joyous 2005!

WITI Code Of Ethics and Philosophy

1. No One Stands Alone
WITI strives to create genuinely welcoming environments where each person is treated with equal support and respect, regardless of title, age, gender, or ethnic background. WITI's policy at every WITI event is that no person stands alone; i.e., it is each person's responsibility to welcome a solitary individual into the group; no cliques are tolerated at WITI events.

2. Collaboration Instead Of Competition
WITI is about collaboration, not competition. In competition, someone wins and someone loses. At WITI, we collaborate to help each other win.

3. Integrity Central
At WITI, integrity is central to all of our actions and interactions. We respect, acknowledge, and protect each other's ideas, intellectual property, and confidential information.

4. Acknowledgement And Recognition
WITI members are committed to:

• Celebrating and recognizing each other's accomplishments
• empowering ourselves and recognizing our own worth
• acknowledging the ideas and contributions of the women around us
• helping everyone who crosses our path grow, thrive and succeed

5. Empowerment
Women become fully empowered when we make a conscious decision to accept full responsibility for our decisions and our actions. At WITI meetings we utilize our time, intelligence, and talent to support each other in identifying options, finding solutions, and taking action.

6. Confidentiality And Trust
WITI members often work in challenging environments where they cannot speak freely without risk of losing their job. Every WITI woman must honor each other's confidentiality so that we continue to be a safe haven for sharing challenges and solutions.

7. Honoring Past Generations with a Commitment To Future Generations Of Women
WITI members are committed to honoring the women who came before us who contributed to our present and consciously work towards creating a better legacy for the next generation of women.

8. Listening For Value
WITI members are receptive to change. We know that no one person has all the answers. Even when there is a success, the WITI Woman knows that there are many situational approaches, and many challenges ahead. WITI members appreciate others' ideas, problems, and solutions without judgment.

9. Taking Responsibility
WITI members constantly strive to improve and contribute to each other's relationships. Rather than blaming others, we understand that each of us is responsible for making WITI better and utilizing our networks to expand and build our relationships.

10. Risk Taking
WITI Members understand that we are plowing new ground; to make things better risks must be taken. WITI members are willing to take risks to improve and positively contribute to our global society.

11. Using Technology
WITI members are committed to responsibly using our knowledge of technology to make a positive contribution to our global society.

12. WITI Men
WITI members believe we cannot succeed without positive collaboration with everyone. WITI welcomes men who want to be part of WITI and support every person in realizing their fullest potential.

13. Prosperity And Financial Independence
WITI believes prosperity and financial independence are intertwined, that gender equity cannot occur until women achieve financial independence. WITI's programs are designed to help women achieve prosperity on every level.

14. Business Solicitation
WITI Women respect other people's space. While discussing possible solutions in a respectful way is acceptable, high pressure sales tactics is strictly forbidden.

What is your point of view? Please post your thoughts on the discussion board.

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