The difference between values and ethics in the volunteer world

In the social impact sector, we often talk about values and ethics.

While it can be hard to distinguish between the two, they are really distinct concepts. They influence decisions, interactions and the overall culture of an organization in different ways. Both are essential but understanding their differences—and how they work together—is key to creating an environment where volunteers thrive.

Values are the principles that drive us

Values are personal or organizational beliefs about what is important. They represent the principles we live by and influence why we make certain decisions.

For example, an organization might value compassion, community, or inclusion. These values shape the way volunteers engage with each other and with those they serve. Values are the heart of the work, helping people connect to the mission on a personal level.

I worked with a youth mentoring program that values empowerment. This value encourages volunteers to focus on providing opportunities for young people to build confidence and self-sufficiency. Volunteers know their role is not just about supporting youth with practical needs but about helping them recognize their own strengths. This value of empowerment shapes every interaction, guiding volunteers in how they speak to, listen to and encourage the youth they mentor.

Ethics are the rules that govern our actions

They are the standards of behaviour that guide choices. They set clear boundaries for what is acceptable, based on values such as honesty, fairness, and respect for others. Ethical guidelines are often established by professional associations, organizations, and even the law.

In your volunteer program, ethics might cover areas like confidentiality, conflicts of interest or protecting vulnerable individuals.

I heard a story from a food bank that highlights the importance of ethics. The food bank had a strict confidentiality policy to protect the dignity of those they served. One day, a well-meaning volunteer shared a story about a family who visited the food bank on social media, thinking it would inspire others to donate. While names weren’t mentioned, some of the details provided made the family easily identifiable in their small community.

This, obviously, led to significant embarrassment for the family and damaged the trust between the food bank and its clients. As a result, the food bank reassessed its training for volunteers and reinforced its ethical guidelines. In this case, the ethic of confidentiality was clear, but it required ongoing education to ensure everyone understood the gravity of respecting dignity.

Ethics provide the framework within which everyone operates. These guidelines apply to all, regardless if they are volunteers or staff, new or experienced.

The intersection of ethics and values

When ethics and values align, they create a strong foundation for decision-making and problem-solving. Our values underpin our ethical guidelines. They are what prompt us to choose the ethics we do. Ethics are about doing what is right based on established rules; values are about doing what is important based on personal or organizational principles. A volunteer program needs both to function effectively.

If, for example, an organization values respect, it will likely have ethical guidelines that prohibit discrimination or harassment. The value of respect informs how volunteers are expected to behave, and the ethical rule reinforces that respect, is not just a suggestion—it’s a requirement.

Regularly reflect on your organization's values and ensure that your ethical guidelines support those values. When there is a disconnect between the two, it can lead to confusion or frustration for volunteers and staff alike. They both matter.

For leaders of volunteer programs, it’s important to understand and communicate both values and ethics. Ethics ensure the program operates within legal and professional boundaries, protecting everyone involved. Without clear ethical guidelines, organizations can quickly lose the trust of volunteers, clients, and the broader community.

Values, meanwhile, give volunteers a sense of meaning and connection to the work. When people feel aligned with the values of the organization, they are more likely to be committed and engaged. Values help volunteers see the bigger picture and understand the impact of their efforts beyond the immediate task at hand.

In the story of the food bank, ethics provided a clear rule about confidentiality, but it was the value of dignity that underscored why that rule mattered. Volunteers and staff need to not only follow established ethical guidelines but also understand the values behind them, so that they can act ethically even when there are no set guidelines.

Organizations that emphasize both values and ethics create a culture where volunteers feel respected, trusted, and motivated. This balance helps maintain high standards while also fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.

In the end, values and ethics are two sides of the same coin. Ethics keep us on the right path, while values remind us why we’re on the journey in the first place.

Both are necessary for creating an environment where volunteers—and the communities they serve—can flourish.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.