A Winning Code of Conduct

Introduction

The KICLEI Initiative is dedicated to fostering positive, respectful, and collaborative relationships among delegates, supporters, local representatives, and communities. Our mission is to educate, provide recommendations, and raise public awareness while advocating for local governance over global programs. To achieve this, we must always conduct ourselves with integrity, professionalism, and emotional intelligence.

This Code of Conduct serves as a guiding framework to ensure that our advocacy efforts are effective, respectful, and aligned with our principles.

Guiding Principles

1. Respect for Local Autonomy

We recognize that we do not control councils, nor do we make demands. Instead, we engage in constructive dialogue, as demonstrated by past successes such as councils agreeing to review their climate action commitments after receiving our well-researched reports and community-backed recommendations. We acknowledge that elected representatives have diverse perspectives and intentions, and we engage with them respectfully, without assuming hostility or bad faith.

2. Professional and Constructive Communication

KICLEI advocates must maintain professionalism in all forms of communication, including emails, open letters, letters to the editor, press releases, and online posts. Our tone should always be respectful, solution-oriented, and free from hostility or inflammatory language.

3. Gathering Public Support to Influence Change

Public awareness and community engagement are critical to our success. We encourage grassroots support to assert pressure on councils through respectful means such as petitions, community meetings, and media engagement. By mobilizing citizens, we amplify the message while maintaining a collaborative approach with decision-makers.

4. Simplicity Over Rhetoric

Our messaging should be clear, concise, and accessible to all audiences. Avoid complex jargon or overly ideological language that may alienate or confuse community members and elected officials. Our goal is to foster understanding and constructive dialogue.

5. Focus on Core Issues

We address issues that directly impact local communities, such as municipal expenditures, climate action plans, and governance policies. Staying focused on these topics ensures our advocacy remains relevant and impactful.

6. Integrity and Truthfulness

We stand for what is right and always speak the truth in love—meaning we communicate honestly and directly, but with kindness and respect, ensuring our message fosters understanding rather than division. Our advocacy must be based on factual, well-researched information. We do not engage in misinformation or speculation, as credibility is essential to building trust with councils and communities.

7. Emotional Intelligence and Composure

Advocacy can be challenging, but we must remain calm and composed, even in difficult situations. Emotional intelligence allows us to engage effectively without becoming reactive, ensuring that our message is heard and respected.

8. Commitment to the Cause

We approach our mission with full commitment, understanding that change takes time. Just as global policies took decades to implement, reversing course requires patience, persistence, and strategic action.

9. Celebrating Small Wins

Every step forward, no matter how small, contributes to the larger goal of local governance over global programs. For example, successfully encouraging a council to request a review of its climate action commitments or securing a commitment to transparency in policy discussions can build momentum for broader change. Recognizing and celebrating progress keeps momentum strong and motivates continued advocacy efforts.

Guidelines for Delegates and Supporters

Adherence to Municipal Codes of Conduct

Each municipality has rules governing council meetings. All KICLEI delegates and supporters must respect these guidelines, which typically include:

  • No approaching the council floor without invitation.

  • No shouting, cheering, booing, or disruptive behavior.

  • No signs, banners, emblems, or flags without prior authorization.

  • No profanity or unprofessional conduct.

Professionalism, Preparation, and Presentation

Quick Checklist for Delegates:

  • Maintain a composed, respectful demeanor at all times.

  • Avoid emotional outbursts or actions that could harm credibility.

  • Dress professionally to reflect the seriousness of our mission.

  • Keep presentations clear, concise, and solution-focused.

  • Stick to allotted speaking time and remain for follow-up questions.

  • Reference any reports or materials previously submitted.

  • Approach councils with respect, offering recommendations rather than demands.

  • A strong, respectful community presence at council meetings is powerful.

  • Encourage supporters to remain professional and engaged.

  • Focus on solutions rather than confrontation.

Follow-Up and Continuous Support

  • Maintain open lines of communication with councils and communities.

  • Provide additional information and resources as requested.

  • Reinforce our commitment to supporting local, community-driven solutions.

Consequences for Breaches of the Code

KICLEI is an information-sharing platform that relies on professionalism and credibility. While this Code of Conduct is not strictly enforced, any individual or group deviating significantly from these principles may not be recognized as representing KICLEI. In cases of serious breaches, consequences may include:

Serious breaches are determined based on repeated disregard for KICLEI's principles, actions that compromise the integrity of the initiative, or behavior that disrupts constructive engagement with councils and communities. Consequences may include:

  • Guidance on aligning actions with KICLEI’s values.

  • A formal warning from KICLEI leadership.

  • Removal from official KICLEI delegate or supporter roles.

  • Dissociation from individuals or groups that fail to uphold KICLEI’s standards.

Closing

KICLEI is committed to fostering respectful, professional, and effective advocacy. While we cannot control council decisions, we can influence them through integrity, collaboration, and well-reasoned recommendations. By adhering to this Code of Conduct, we ensure that our movement remains strong, credible, and impactful in advancing community-first governance.

Together, we stand for what is right, speak the truth in love, and work toward a future where local decision-making is prioritized over global agendas.