What Motivates The Salvation Army?

The Salvation Army Canada
Picture of Susan McMillan
Susan McMillan
Commissioner Susan McMillan has been a Salvation Army officer for 35 years, with appointments in Canada, Mexico, South America East (Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay), South America West (Chile, Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador) and IHQ. Her appointments have varied in scope from Corps Officer to Social Services, Hospital Administration, Finance and Administration. She is currently the Territorial Commander and Territorial President of Women’s Ministries for Canada and Bermuda. She holds a Master of Business Administration Degree and is a Chartered Professional Accountant.

Isn’t it wonderful to see lives transformed, people given a second chance to live up to their potential?

For many Canadians that seems like just a dream, something impossible to attain. The Salvation Army believes there is hope, that with a little help anyone can turn their lives around and dig their way out of whatever it is that holds them down.

The Salvation Army believes there is hope Share on X

The Salvation Army helped 1.8 million Canadians during the past year to do just that. To see that there is hope, they can find their way in this world.

We see people’s struggles and successes daily. They are the reason we have hope and continue to do what we do.

People often ask us why we do it. What’s in it for The Salvation Army? What motivates us? You see, we do what we do because we are a people who have been loved by God, and who love Jesus. That means that every salvationist, each one who wears that uniform, and many who don’t wear it, has experienced God in a personal way and has a personal relationship because of the gift of His only Son.

God’s word says this:

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another … Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:12-14 NIV)

clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience Share on X

We could have continued to worship a God who was distant, fearsome and unknowable, but the world wouldn’t have changed very much.

Instead God provided a way for us to have a personal relationship with Him. Though we are unworthy in ourselves, by the sacrifice of God’s Son, given freely to redeem us from sin, we can now know the peace of heart that can only come from a relationship with this Prince of Peace.

The passage I quoted from Colossians, chapter 3, goes on to say:

15 “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts… And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly… 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus Share on X

What motivates us? That’s best summed up in one of our mottos: “Heart to God and hand to man.” Perhaps you yourself are looking for meaning in your life. Your successes and accomplishments have brought little joy in the end, and you wonder how can I know my life matters?

how can I know my life matters? Share on X

Well, it’s all about a little baby, who was born at Christmas 2015 years ago, in a humble stable, surrounded by the sounds and smells of animals and hay – a gift of love from the father above, for you, so that you could know Him, and find your meaning in Him. You see, Love really does change everything.

Love really does change everything. Share on X

 

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Code of Conduct for all Mission Partners of The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda

1. Purpose
To provide mission partners with guidelines regarding their expected behaviour while undertaking work on behalf of TSA. The code of conduct states TSA’s commitment to operating in an ethical and legal manner that aligns with TSA’s mission, vision, values and Orders and Regulations. The code of conduct serves as a foundational standard for other conduct-related operating policies.

2. Basic Principles
All mission partners are expected to behave in ways that are aligned with TSA’s mission and values.

2.1. Mission Statement:
The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

2.2. Vision Statement
We are an innovative partner, mobilized to share hope wherever there is hardship, building communities that are just and know the love of Jesus.

2.3. Core Values:
Hope: We give hope through the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Service: We reach out to support others without discrimination.
Dignity: We respect and value each other, recognizing everyone’s worth.
Stewardship: We responsibly manage the resources entrusted to us.

3. Conduct Expectations
The code of conduct provides guidelines for mission partner conduct. The code of conduct cannot cover every possible situation; mission partners are responsible for considering each issue in the context of TSA’s mission and values, recognizing that individual conduct may be understood as a reflection of TSA’s values, image, integrity and public trust. If a mission partner is unsure of a situation and needs guidance about their conduct or has concerns about the conduct of another person, they should speak with their supervisor or HR/officer personnel representative.

Mission partners will:
3.1. Comply with TSA policies and procedures.
3.2. Follow all applicable laws and at no time participate in, or assist others to participate in, any illegal, criminal or unethical activities.
3.3. Conduct themselves at all times with honesty, integrity and transparency.
3.4. Perform their defined duties to the best of their ability.
3.5. Treat others, including other mission partners, funders, clients and the public, with respect, dignity, fairness and courtesy.
3.6. Promote and support a work environment that is inclusive of all people and respects their unique abilities, strengths and differences.
3.7. Identify actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest and disclose them to their supervisor to help minimize or eliminate the impact of such conflicts, which could influence or appear to influence their judgment and actions. Refer to GV 01.003 Conflict of Interest policy for additional direction and requirements.
3.8. Collect, use and disclose confidential information only in accordance with TSA policy and applicable privacy laws. Ensure all records, documents and communications are accurate and that privacy is maintained as required by GV
01.009 Privacy.
3.9. Conduct all business, service and ministry activities in a responsible manner, consistent with TSA’s values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship.
3.10. Always strive to create and maintain the highest health, safety, wellness and environmental standards in all facilities and work areas.
3.11. Take every reasonable precaution to protect the safety of oneself and others and report accidents (however minor) and near-misses (accidents that almost happened), risky behaviours, and instances where equipment and/or building
deficiencies could compromise the safety of a workplace.
3.12. Use information technology, including internet and email, in a professional and appropriate manner, in accordance with TSA policy (IT 02.001 Computers and Information Technology Acceptable Use).
3.13. Ensure they are fit to work and able to perform assigned duties as required by their job description safely, satisfactorily and in compliance with HR 10.002 Substance Impairment in the Workplace.

TSA expects mission partners will not:
3.14. Act in a discriminatory, harassing or violent way toward others.
3.15. Use their position in order to gain an advantage over or exploit the vulnerability of others.
3.16. Destroy or take for personal use any items belonging to or safeguarded by TSA without prior written approval.
3.17. Solicit (money or goods) from clients, donors, vendors, contractors or any person in a position to benefit from their association with TSA. Mission partners will adhere to the requirements of HR 04.002 Gifts, Speaking Fees, and Testimonials policy.
3.18. Give the appearance that they are speaking on behalf of TSA when not authorized to do so or engage in any activity that would negatively impact TSA’s reputation, brand or public image, including the use of personal social media
accounts.
3.19. Initiate contact with the media or respond to their inquiries, and instead will refer all media inquiries to their supervisor, their public relations representative or TSA’s communications department.
3.20. Use, abuse or misuse paid time, TSA resources or the equipment assigned to them.
3.21. Misuse their authority, abuse power, act irresponsibly, retaliate against someone who reports misconduct or exclude others from workplace events.

4. Officers: Orders and Regulations
In the event of a conflict between the provisions of the code of conduct and Orders and Regulations, the latter shall take precedence.

5. Violation of the Code
If a mission partner believes the law, the code of conduct or TSA’s policies may have been violated or are about to be violated, they should inform their supervisor or report their concern through the Whistleblower hotline (see GV 01.008 Whistleblower policy).

Violation of the code of conduct is a serious matter and could result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.