Code of Conduct

Constitutional Accountability Now (CAN) operates as a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit dedicated to structured, nonpartisan documentation of constitutional conduct across the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

All staff, volunteers, researchers, contributors, and supporters are expected to adhere to the following standards.

Core Commitments

CAN is committed to:

• Nonpartisan research and documentation

• Fact-based educational work grounded in primary sources

• Transparency in operations, funding, and methodology

• Respect for constitutional processes and democratic institutions

• Full compliance with federal and state nonprofit regulations

Public education depends upon accuracy, neutrality, and verifiable documentation.

Standards of Conduct

1. Nonpartisan Documentation

All documentation must:

• Apply identical evidentiary standards to officials of all parties

• Avoid editorial judgments regarding policy merit or political intent

• Present relevant context, including public responses when available

• Allow readers to draw independent conclusions

2. Verification Standards

All factual claims must:

• Be supported by primary sources such as official records, court documents, transcripts, or verified public filings

• Be independently verifiable

• Avoid speculation or inference beyond documented evidence

When errors are identified, corrections will be issued promptly and transparently.

3. Responsible Communication

Participants may not:

• Disseminate misinformation or knowingly false claims

• Misrepresent sources or remove contextual meaning

• Selectively edit materials in a manner that alters factual substance

Communications must remain accurate and documentation-focused.

4. Prohibition on Campaign Intervention

CAN does not:

• Support or oppose candidates for public office

• Engage in electoral advocacy

• Coordinate with political parties, candidates, or campaigns

• Use organizational resources for campaign activity

Documentation of official conduct does not constitute endorsement or opposition.

5. No Lobbying Activity

CAN does not:

• Advocate for specific legislation

• Conduct grassroots lobbying campaigns

• Urge contact with legislators regarding pending bills

Educational materials may explain legislative processes but will not promote legislative outcomes.

6. Professional Conduct

Participants must:

• Maintain respectful and professional communication

• Avoid abusive, discriminatory, or dehumanizing language

• Focus on official conduct rather than personal matters

Personal attacks are prohibited.

7. Privacy and Scope

Documentation is limited to official actions taken in a public or governmental capacity.

CAN does not:

• Publish private personal information

• Target family members or private individuals

• Document matters unrelated to official conduct

8. Transparency and Replicability

Research methods must be transparent and structured so that documentation can be independently verified.

Sources must be cited and publicly accessible whenever possible.

Operational and financial reporting must comply with nonprofit disclosure requirements.

9. Legal Compliance

All activities must comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including IRS regulations governing 501(c)(3) organizations.

Enforcement

Violations of this Code may result in:

• Removal from research or publication activities

• Suspension or termination of participation

• Correction or retraction of materials

• Additional review where required by law

Enforcement decisions are made to preserve the integrity and compliance of the organization.

Organizational Principle

Accurate, structured documentation strengthens civic understanding. CAN maintains neutrality, transparency, and compliance as foundational requirements of its educational mission.