Internal Governance Document — Fully Original & Proprietary to HIAS Inc.

I. Institutional Purpose and Ethical Foundations

Hazleton Immigrant Advocacy Services Inc. (“HIAS Inc.”) establishes these governance principles to define how the organization conducts its affairs, safeguards its mission, and upholds its commitment to the immigrant community.
These principles are entirely original, created solely for HIAS Inc., and intended to guide decision-making, transparency, and ethical consistency across all areas of operation.

Our institution grounds its actions in integrity, respect for human dignity, honesty in communication, and the responsible use of resources. Every officer, volunteer, and representative of HIAS Inc. is expected to follow these principles without exception.

II. Governance Structure and Oversight Duties

HIAS Inc. operates under a Board of Directors responsible for ensuring compliance with internal policies and applicable law.

Board Responsibilities

• Establish organizational direction and long-term strategy

• Approve internal policies and public-facing materials

• Monitor compliance with state and federal laws

• Oversee finances, risk management, and accountability mechanisms

• Ensure that services remain consistent with our mission

Oversight Procedures

The Board reviews:

• annual goals and operational plans,

• the integrity of public communications,

• the accuracy of program descriptions,

• financial practices and recordkeeping,

• Internal control systems are designed to prevent the misuse of resources

The Board may appoint committees or officers to supervise specific tasks, but retains final authority.

III. Operational Standards for Program Delivery

HIAS Inc. provides administrative, educational, and community-focused services within the legal boundaries permitted to non-attorney organizations.

All programs must:

• reflect accurate, verified information,

• avoid misrepresentation of authority,

• comply with the Pennsylvania Nonprofit Corporation Law,

• protect client privacy, and

• promote safe and accessible communication for the community.

Services must be delivered with transparency about what HIAS Inc. can and cannot do. HIAS Inc. does not offer legal representation, nor does it create attorney-client relationships.

IV. Transparency, Public Communication, and Institutional Accountability

HIAS Inc. communicates with the public in a clear, truthful, and responsible manner.

Public Information Standards

All information—whether published online, shared through printed materials, or communicated verbally—must be:

• internally verified,

• factually accurate,

• consistent with organizational capacity,

• reviewed before publication.

Any content requiring correction must be updated promptly.

Accountability Expectations

Officers and volunteers must:

• provide honest descriptions of services,

• avoid exaggerating organizational authority,

• promptly report concerns to leadership,

• participate in evaluations, reviews, and updates.

V. Financial Stewardship and Responsible Resource Management

HIAS Inc. manages finances with transparency and accountability.

Core Principles

• maintain accurate financial records,

• use funds responsibly to advance the mission,

• avoid conflicts of interest,

• ensure separation of personal and organizational finances,

• support periodic financial review by the Board.

HIAS Inc. may adopt internal financial goals—created by the Board—to ensure resources are used responsibly, but those goals are original to the organization and not based on external standards.

VI. Privacy, Confidentiality, and Data Protection Practices

The organization collects personal information only as necessary to provide services.

HIAS Inc. commits to:

• safeguarding client information,

• restricting access to authorized personnel only,

• using data solely for service-related purposes,

• never selling, trading, or misusing personal information,

• complying with lawful requests while upholding privacy protections.

VII. Intellectual Property and Content Ownership Policy

All content produced by HIAS Inc.—including text, digital publications, graphics, policies, and educational materials—is the exclusive property of the organization.

Internal Rules

• No external materials may be reused without permission.

• Any content with an unclear origin must be reviewed before publication.

• Suspected copyrighted material must be removed immediately upon identification.

• HIAS Inc. respects the intellectual property rights of all third parties.

This document itself is an original creation of HIAS Inc. and is protected under U.S. copyright law.

VIII. Standards of Conduct for Officers, Staff, and Volunteers

Individuals representing HIAS Inc. must:

• maintain professionalism and ethical conduct,

• treat all persons with respect and fairness,

• avoid discrimination,

• observe confidentiality,

• operate strictly within approved duties,

• refrain from unauthorized advice or untrained activities.

Violations of conduct may result in disciplinary action, removal from duties, or Board review.

IX. Community Trust, Non-Discrimination, and Public Responsibility

HIAS Inc. is committed to building trust and serving all individuals fairly.
We do not discriminate on the basis of nationality, immigration status, age, disability, race, ethnicity, faith, gender, or any protected classification.

Our responsibility includes providing safe, respectful, and non-coercive services to all who seek assistance.

X. Compliance With U.S. and Pennsylvania Nonprofit Law

HIAS Inc. adheres to:

• Pennsylvania Nonprofit Corporation Law

• Federal regulations affecting nonprofit operations

• IRS expectations for 501(c)(3) organizations

• state requirements for charitable transparency

• ethical guidelines consistent with community-oriented service entities

These principles are used to maintain lawful, transparent, and trustworthy operations.

XI. Internal Review, Policy Updates, and Enforcement Procedures

The Board conducts a periodic review of:

• governance practices,

• compliance procedures,

• public statements,

• operational systems,

• financial reporting.

Policies are updated as necessary. Violations may result in corrective measures, retraining, or reassignment of responsibilities.

XII. Official Contact Information

Hazleton Immigrant Advocacy Services Inc.
Address:
199 N Church St
Hazleton, PA 18201

Email:
hazleton@hiasinc.org
yasminmultiservice@gmail.com