ISDA Professional Alliance Policy

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With many aspects of ISDA's Social Exchange Network (network of opportunities and participants/members), it may not be possible to acquire locally that which is necessary to facilitate one’s business plan goals and objectives.  Of course, trade with other countries can also be beneficial in supporting the local economy in economically suppressed and vulnerable areas, which rely heavily on international buyers, especially when it is a social enterprise project. This scenario highlights the fact that ISDA’s strategy creates a world of trade, without borders, amongst social exchange network members. 

 

ISDA’s request for business plan proposals is for the express purpose of allowing its subcommittees’ due diligence infrastructure to process each potential project. Together, these strategies develop new markets and open new pathways for commerce, interactions, and transactions.

 

Requirements

 

Although the leadership of ISDA will typically verify the locality of the vendor base, preferential sourcing throughout the developing Community of Relationships is preferred to be driven by more than geographic proximity. Local Relationships (less than a 50-mile radius) should also be sought for environmental and social criteria of suppliers, product quality, delivery, service, and after-sale support.

 

In instances where the local vendor base does not currently maintain such qualitative standards or integrity, the leadership of ISDA and its various committees will work collaboratively with such suppliers to develop and implement sustainability standards by sharing its own samples of Supplier Code of Conduct and Social and Environmental Mission. This lack of standards may be especially true for First World and Second World nations in the process of developing proper and ethical business practices. If such practices do not exist, and there is a void of performance objectives to improve standards and help their local economy, then ISDA’s Standards will be required.

 

With regards to honoring fiscal stewardship obligations to its Relationships, ISDA may adjust or waive certain fees (if applicable) to make certain that services are accessible and affordable (most particularly) with respect to procurement decisions given to environmental impact factors over pure pricing and social enterprise projects. Certain credentialed Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and/or tax-exempt organizations may qualify for substantial pricing discounts and incentives.

 

The leadership of ISDA does not discriminate in selection preferences regarding race or government-sponsored social-welfare programs. However, we reward the most qualified Relationships with common objectives. Social issues and norms vary tremendously around the world; however, ethical standards are explicit and universal. For example, in some nations, dogs and cats are eaten as food; while in other countries, such practices are criminalized. In India it is a crime to slaughter a cow for any reason; however, in Western countries, beef from cows is a staple food source. Therefore, due to such cultural diversity found amongst humanity, ISDA’s global “love your neighbor” approach, will utilize the consistency of ethical, social, humanitarian, and moral conduct towards humans and animals. All board decisions concerning social, humanitarian, and moral issues are final. 

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Note: ISDA's stance is to "trust and verify". By submitting your Letter of Interest form to ISDA and throughout your participation in the Professional Alliance process/programs, you agree to allow ISDA to conduct background checks as needed on the organization, project, principal(s), and other leaders/heads of said project/organization. You must also certify that there are no known conflicts of interest and no affiliations with prohibited project/organization types. This agreement is reserved as an effort to verify the ISDA Social Exchange Network Professional Alliance participants truly exhibit the Standards of Excellence the ISDA adheres to.

 

Implementation of Think Locally, Act Globally, Prepare Eternally

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• Keep Transactions and Commerce in the Social Enterprise Networks:  To promote “the social and humanitarian good” for all mankind; in this life, and in the life to come. Humankind can be supported by having their basic needs of: food, shelter, clothing and employment met. Social entrepreneurship places the welfare of others in the center of all human interactions, enterprises, commerce, and transaction; and should manifest incorruptible character and integrity.

 

• Keep Commerce in the Community (the Family, Friends, and Neighbors):  Locally-owned businesses, in comparison to nationally-owned companies, thermodynamically, keep more of the energy circulating within their communities, when serving local businesses. When service providers and farms are utilized, they continually strengthen the economic base of the community.                                                          
                                                                 

• Maintain Loyalty:  Communicating commitment, promoting family brand loyalty, and standing firm with those convictions improve an organization’s public image of integrity. 

 

• Vested Interest in Community Service:  Non-profit organizations receive an average 250% more support from smaller business owners than they do from large firms. The enhancement of the non-profit community in its mission also enhances ISDA’s global footprint.
                                                                                          

• Genus Loci (Sense of Place):  When people travel and go on a unique vacation, they generally seek out destinations that offer them a sense of being and purpose; “someplace,” not just “anyplace.” One-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of the community mosaic. We seek unique individuals with unique talents and unique creative ideas, which may have been suppressed or inhibited by economic or global forces. ISDA seeks to bring the best plans of the best individuals from the “Blue Sea” of humanity to improve mankind.

 

• Reduce Environmental Impact:  Local manufacturing and purchases require less transportation to market. Businesses who generally establish their enterprises in town or city centers (as opposed to developing on the fringes) enhance city growth and outward expansion. Working on the fringes of the city contributes less to (urban) sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.                                                 

• Create More Jobs:  In the U.S., small businesses are the largest employer of citizens nationally (+/- 65%); and in the local community, they provide the most jobs to residents. By promoting entrepreneurship and cultivating the Middle-class sector for growth and development, both young and old can move towards maximum employment, versus under-and-unemployment.    

                                                                                            

• Better Service:  Local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the products they are selling, and provide better service to the customers through building community and relationships.             

 

• Community Investment:  Local business owners who live in their communities are less likely to leave because they are more vested in the community’s future when they invest their money where they live. Community service organizations also know the pulse and needs of the local community; thus providing needed services. 
   

• Tax Efficiency:  Local businesses in town centers require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services, in comparison to nationally-owned companies who may not have a vested interest in the local community. Also, wherever possible, applicants should inquire and seek tax credits given by local municipalities and federal agencies for their business operations and locations. These incentives are generally offered to corporate or business entities that promote economic growth, job-creation, and community development and enhancement.

 

• Local Prosperity and Social Enterprise: A growing body of economic research has shown that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character. Under current market conditions, it is often perceived as cheaper to buy distantly-produced goods. Larger multinational companies use their economies of scale (volume buying) to attract consumers to purchase goods manufactured from afar by offering lower prices. However, the added costs are not always factored in. For example, transport, packaging, facilities, inspections, and their associated environmental costs. Hence, ISDA will capitalize on the advantages of both models where it is most beneficial and efficient to promote Social entrepreneurship and economic “best practice”. Furthermore, newly established local and global trading routes and connections within these communities will be philanthropy-minded, and geopolitical in nature.

 

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Standards of Excellence…Responsible Stewardship

 

ISDA’s “Standards of Excellence” were developed to assist its family network in making sound business, living, and giving decisions, with respect to the allocation of one’s: Time, Talent, and Treasure.  We seek to foster public confidence in its social enterprise (philanthropic) associations. The ISDA Standards of Excellence expect fair and honest procurement practices, ethical conduct by social enterprises and charitable organizations, and to advance philanthropy and generosity for humanity, without corruption (including everyone's absolute adherance to anti-bribery and anti-money laundering practices).

 

ISDA “Standards of Excellence” applies to private foundations, publicly-soliciting organizations that are tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code, as well as other social enterprise organizations operating with a charitable/humanitarian purpose around the globe. Projects can be submitted from virtually every country in the world that has the capacity (and a track record) of promoting the civil, social, and economic good of its citizens. In countries where citizens are oppressed and where benevolent-spirited communities exist, funding can be approved by the Board of Directors with a targeted purpose for life and sustenance.

 

The overarching principle of these “Standards of Excellence” is the full disclosure to all current and prospective stakeholders at the commencement of the relationship and thereafter. However, where indicated, the ISDA “Standards of Excellence” will often include recommended ethical standards/practices beyond the act of disclosure, to ensure public confidence and encourage generosity. These Standards of Excellence and transparency go beyond the minimum requirements of local, state, federal or international laws and regulations.

 

In addition to the specific areas addressed in the aforementioned “Standards of Excellence”, we want all Principals of social enterprise organizations to adopt the same guidelines and best practices to further their cause of charitable and philanthropic accountability… to attract necessary provisions for their vision/mission and to demonstrate “Responsible Stewardship”.

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