[{"id":25372,"date":"2026-02-02T10:43:31","date_gmt":"2026-02-02T16:43:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/txmn.org\/gulfcoast\/?page_id=25372"},"modified":"2026-02-02T10:56:42","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T16:56:42","slug":"standards-of-conduct","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/txmn.org\/gulfcoast\/standards-of-conduct\/","title":{"rendered":"Standards of Conduct"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Download PDF Version<\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Texas Master Naturalist\u2122 Program\u2019s mission is to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities for the State of Texas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Texas Master Naturalist Program volunteers shall at all times:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Uphold the commitment made to the Texas Master Naturalist (TMN) Program, the local chapter, and the state sponsoring agencies Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Commit to the training, volunteer service and advanced training requirements of the TMN Program.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Uphold the dignity and integrity of the TMN Program. Volunteers shall endeavor to avoid even the suspicion of dishonesty, fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, or unprofessional demeanor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Conduct themselves appropriately to context and setting at all times.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Abide by federal, state, sponsoring agencies and local laws while involved with and representing the Texas Master Naturalist Program and recognize that some violations outside of your TMN program activity could be grounds for dismissal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Studiously avoid discrimination in any form.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Be considerate and respect others and their points of view.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Keep accurate records of volunteer service, training, research, and impacts, and monthly (at a minimum) report these records in the Program\u2019s Volunteer Management System (VMS)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. Avoid performing service when such service is judged to be contrary to the Code of Ethics or detrimental to the well-being of the TMN Program and its sponsors, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  10. Provide maximum possible effort in the best interest of each client and\/or volunteer project.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  11. Be mindful of their responsibility to society and the TMN Program.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  12. Avoid abuse of TMN Program authority, certification, or membership for personal satisfaction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  13. Advocacy, lobbying or promoting political issues while identifying as a TMN volunteer is strictly prohibited.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  14. Cooperate fully with professionals and other Master Naturalist volunteers in the best interest of our natural resources.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  15. Advertising or self-promotion of membership status for personal gain (financial or commercial), advocacy or in a manner detrimental to the TMN Program and its volunteers is prohibited.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  16. Use of alcohol and controlled substances while performing service as a TMN volunteer is prohibited. Reporting for service while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance will result in termination from volunteer service.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  17. Accept responsibility for decisions made and actions taken based on these decisions.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    \n\n\n\n

    Updated October 2025<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    The Texas Master Naturalist\u2122 Program\u2019s mission is to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural… Read More →<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1551,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_crdt_document":"","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"full-width-content"},"class_list":["post-25372","page","type-page","status-publish","entry"],"acf":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":false,"thumbnail":false,"medium":false,"medium_large":false,"large":false,"1536x1536":false,"2048x2048":false,"archive":false,"gform-image-choice-sm":false,"gform-image-choice-md":false,"gform-image-choice-lg":false},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"lgarza","author_link":"https:\/\/txmn.org\/gulfcoast\/author\/lgarza\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"The Texas Master Naturalist\u2122 Program\u2019s mission is to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural... Read More →","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/txmn.org\/gulfcoast\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25372","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/txmn.org\/gulfcoast\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/txmn.org\/gulfcoast\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/txmn.org\/gulfcoast\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1551"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/txmn.org\/gulfcoast\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25372"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/txmn.org\/gulfcoast\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25372\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/txmn.org\/gulfcoast\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25372"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":25371,"date":"2026-02-02T10:40:45","date_gmt":"2026-02-02T16:40:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/txmn.org\/gulfcoast\/?page_id=25371"},"modified":"2026-02-02T10:52:16","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T16:52:16","slug":"code-of-ethics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/txmn.org\/gulfcoast\/reference\/code-of-ethics\/","title":{"rendered":"Code of Ethics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

    \n
    <\/path><\/svg><\/span>
    Download PDF Version<\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Each member, in striving to meet the mission, goals, and objectives of the Texas Master Naturalist\u2122 Program, pledges to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. Subscribe to the highest standards of integrity and conduct.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Abide by federal, state, sponsoring agencies and local laws during program involvement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Promote and support the statewide and local Texas Master Naturalist (TMN) Program.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Respect the state sponsors, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, their roles and expectations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    5. Disseminate information to promote understanding of and appreciation for the values of our natural resources.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    6. Strive to increase knowledge and skills to advance as a TMN volunteer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    7. Promote competence as a TMN volunteer by supporting high standards of education, service, and performance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    8. Encourage the use of sound biological information in education and outreach and in management decisions and recommendations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    9. Support fair and uniform standards of service and treatment of those engaged in the TMN Program.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    10. Know and follow established TMN Program protocols and policies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    11. Abide by the Program Bylaws.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    12. Never use the TMN title, logos, certification, and trademarks for advocacy of any kind, personal endeavors and\/or for profit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    13. Act as trustworthy and ethical stewards of the environment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    14. Never inappropriately disturb or harass wildlife. Never inappropriately remove anything from its natural state or area.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    15. Have a commitment to safety at all times.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
      \n\n\n\n

      Updated October 2025<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Each member, in striving to meet the mission, goals, and objectives of the Texas Master Naturalist\u2122 Program, pledges to: Updated October 2025<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1551,"featured_media":0,"parent":22,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_crdt_document":"","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"full-width-content"},"class_list":["post-25371","page","type-page","status-publish","entry"],"acf":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":false,"thumbnail":false,"medium":false,"medium_large":false,"large":false,"1536x1536":false,"2048x2048":false,"archive":false,"gform-image-choice-sm":false,"gform-image-choice-md":false,"gform-image-choice-lg":false},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"lgarza","author_link":"https:\/\/txmn.org\/gulfcoast\/author\/lgarza\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Each member, in striving to meet the mission, goals, and objectives of the Texas Master Naturalist\u2122 Program, pledges to: Updated October 2025","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/txmn.org\/gulfcoast\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25371","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/txmn.org\/gulfcoast\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/txmn.org\/gulfcoast\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/txmn.org\/gulfcoast\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1551"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/txmn.org\/gulfcoast\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25371"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/txmn.org\/gulfcoast\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25371\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/txmn.org\/gulfcoast\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/txmn.org\/gulfcoast\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25371"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":25397,"date":"2026-02-02T10:36:54","date_gmt":"2026-02-02T16:36:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/txmn.org\/gulfcoast\/?page_id=25397"},"modified":"2026-02-02T10:36:55","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T16:36:55","slug":"technology-use-policy-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/txmn.org\/gulfcoast\/technology-use-policy-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Technology Use Policy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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      View PDF Version<\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t
      \n\t\t\t\t
      \n\t\t\t\t\t\t
      \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTable Of Contents\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
      \n\t\t\t\t\t\t
      1. General<\/a>
      2. Use of Email<\/a>
      3. Use of SLACK Workspace<\/a>
      4. Policy Violation<\/a>
      5. General Expectations of Users<\/a>
      6. Appropriate Use<\/a>
      7. Inappropriate Use<\/a>
      8. Termination of Email Services<\/a>
      9. Reinstatement of Email Services<\/a>
      10. Monitoring and Confidentiality<\/a>
      11. Failure to Comply<\/a><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n\n

        General<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        The Gulf Coast Chapter of Texas Master Naturalist (TXGCMN) provides technology in the form of a chapter domain email address and a SLACK workspace. Members should assume that the contents of any message, document, or other matter sent through this email or posted to SLACK may be seen by TXGCMN management and others with a legitimate need to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        TXGCMN reserves the right to access and disclose, for legitimate business and\/or legal reasons, any message, document, or other matter sent through the chapter email address or posted on the SLACK workspace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The objectives of this policy are to outline appropriate and inappropriate use of our technology systems and services. This policy applies to all email and SLACK account holders at TXGCMN (both temporary and permanent), past and present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Use of Email<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        Email is a critical mechanism for business communications at TXGCMN. Use of your chapter electronic mail systems and services are a privilege and therefore must be used with respect and in accordance with the goals of TXGCMN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Use of SLACK Workspace<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        SLACK Workspace is an additional mechanism for business communications at TXGCMN. Use of SLACK Workspace systems and services are a privilege and therefore must be used with respect and in accordance with the goals of TXGCMN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Policy Violation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        Any Gulf Coast chapter member who is found, after appropriate investigation, to have violated this technology policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        General Expectations of Users<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        Important chapter business communications are always delivered via chapter email. Chapter communications will not be sent to other personal email addresses. Chapter communications may also be duplicated on SLACK workspace. As a result, Members of TXGCMN are expected to check their email in a consistent and timely manner so that they are aware of important announcements and updates, as well as for fulfilling business- and role-oriented tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Email users are responsible for mailbox management, including organization and cleaning. If a user subscribes to a mailing list, he or she must be aware of how to remove himself or herself from the list and is responsible for doing so in the event that their current email address changes. Email users are also expected to comply with normal standards of professional and personal courtesy and conduct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Members must not utilize the chapter email or SLACK communications services in any way that may be seen as insulting, disruptive, or offensive to other persons, or harmful to morale. Examples of forbidden transmissions include sexually explicit messages, cartoons, or jokes; ethnic or racial slurs; or any other message that can be construed to be harassment or disparagement of others based on their sex, race, sexual orientation, age, national origin, religious beliefs, or other personal characteristics or circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Appropriate Use<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        Individuals at TXGCMN are encouraged to use email and\/or SLACK to further the goals and objectives of TXGCMN. The types of activities that are encouraged include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n