GANSU, INC

CODE OF CONDUCT                                                      March 2011

                                                                                                            The mission of GANSU, INC is to provide sight, both physically and spiritually, to the underserved people of rural, western China.  As a volunteer with GANSU, INC, I understand I will be held accountable for assisting the organization to accomplish this mission. Therefore, I, __________________________________, voluntarily agree                                      print name

to submit to the following statements for the good of the GANSU, INC mission and for harmony within the volunteer teams:

In most situations actions speak louder than words.  This is particularly true when there are language barriers, as in most situations while in China. I agree to conduct my life in a manner that will not call into question the goals of GANSU, INC, nor the God whom we seek to serve. This includes, but is not limited to, the following: 

1. Modesty and neatness in my appearance.  I will dress in a conservative manner; avoiding offending attire or bringing undue attention to myself. This includes guidelines such as: blouses and shirts should have sleeves and modest necklines; skirts, dresses and shorts should be no higher than the top of the knee. I also understand that expensive jewelry, most likely beyond the means of the people being served, is not appropriate to wear in China. I also agree to avoid drawing attention to myself with body piercing or bold, large jewelry. I understand that if it is perceived I am not adhering to these guidelines I may be required to change clothes or remove jewelry. 

2. Refined and unadulterated relationships. With the exception of an accompanying spouse, I will not be involved in more than casual relations with any person, be it another volunteer, or any Chinese individual, while serving with GANSU, INC. I will seek to avoid even the appearance of impropriety by neither giving, nor receiving, particular attention to/from any other individual, that might be viewed as inappropriate by fellow volunteers or the Chinese.  

3. No recreational use of drugs or alcohol.  Foreign countries have different laws and policies with regard to drugs, including alcohol.  In an effort to maintain the highest of personal standards and conduct GANSU, INC requires all volunteers abstain from the use of recreational drugs and alcohol while representing this organization. Understanding that Christians may differ regarding the use of alcohol, I agree, I will not use alcoholic beverages at any time, even if pressed by Chinese hosts in social settings, while I am serving as a volunteer for GANSU, INC.   

4.  Avoid controversial subjects, particularly politics. (GANSU, INC policy is to remain apolitical.) Political conversations may be introduced by the Chinese; however, I will endeavor to avoid extensive political discussions. I will endeavor to obey all laws, respect the Chinese government, and I will seek to be a good influence by my lifestyle, not political activism. 

5. Show respect for our Chinese hosts and the Chinese culture.  Knowledge of Chinese customs and traditions can be interesting as well as helpful to a successful mission. I will endeavor to understand the Chinese culture with the goal that my words and actions are not viewed as disrespectful by those I serve. I will respect the Chinese culture and avoid expressions of western superiority.  I will seek, also, to exercise sensitivity and respect while shopping so that my bargaining is not viewed as demeaning or overbearing. 

6.  Keep a positive attitude.  In conversation with others on my team, or with Chinese host personnel, I will avoid speaking negatively concerning any of the conditions under which I am living and working. I will be open to learning from others, sharing myself and my skills humbly, without demands. 

Understanding that GANSU, INC has established credibility through the many years of continual service in China, I will respect what God has allowed it to accomplish, and the role it is to play in the future. I will seek to do nothing that would jeopardize the mission of GANSU, INC, by trying to promote my own agenda.  While not all inclusive, examples might include: 

1. Passing out tracts or witnessing in a public setting without first establishing a relationship with those to whom I meet (i.e., overtly acting as a public missionary)
2. Promoting specific denominational or doctrinal preferences, such as baptismal method or specific gifts of the Spirit
3. Utilizing GANSU, INC’s established Chinese relationship system at a later time, for my own purposes, without the consent of GANSU, INC. This would include Public Health or local hospital host administrators, or any other individuals met while serving with GANSU, INC.

GANSU, INC is my sponsoring organization and as such I will pursue my responsibility to it.  I will endeavor to be professional, patient, loving, and kind, and to seek to reach out and touch the lives that surround me daily in the love that God has for them. I will endeavor to be sensitive and flexible regarding unforeseen problems, seek other team members for advice, and try to work together in love and submission to my fellow team members.  In this regard, I understand that each team will have a designated leader.  This appointed person will accept the responsibility of guiding the team to accomplish its spiritual and medical mission in the most effective and efficient manner.  

I acknowledge that I have read and understand the guidelines set forth in this document and I agree to abide by these standards while serving as a volunteer with GANSU, INC.

Signed _________________________________________________________ DATE _________________________