ICANN has chosen to use the Core Values and Code of Ethics of the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) as the guide to its public participation work. They are reproduced below:

Public participation core values

1. Public participation is based on the belief that those who are affected by a decision have a right to be involved in the decision-making process.
2. Public participation includes the promise that the public’s contribution will influence the decision.
3. Public participation promotes sustainable decisions by recognizing and communicating the needs and interests of all participants, including decision makers.
4. Public participation seeks out and facilitates the involvement of those potentially affected by or interested in a decision.
5. Public participation seeks input from participants in designing how they participate.
6. Public participation provides participants with the information they need to participate in a meaningful way.
7. Public participation communicates to participants how their input affected the decision.

Public participation Code of Ethics

1. Purpose. We support public participation as a process to make better decisions that incorporate the interests and concerns of all affected stakeholders and meet the needs of the decision-making body.
2. Role of Practitioner. We will enhance the public’s participation in the decision-making process and assist decision-makers in being responsive to the public’s concerns and suggestions.
3. Trust. We will undertake and encourage actions that build trust and credibility for the process and among all the participants.
4. Defining the Public’s Role. We will carefully consider and accurately portray the public’s role in the decision-making process.
5. Openness. We will encourage the disclosure of all information relevant to the public’s understanding and evaluation of a decision.
6. Access to the Process. We will ensure that stakeholders have fair and equal access to the public participation process and the opportunity to influence decisions.
7. Respect for Communities. We will avoid strategies that risk polarizing community interest or that appear to “divide and conquer”
8. Advocacy. We will advocate for the public participation process and will not advocate for a particular interest, party or project outcome.
9. Commitments. We ensure that all commitments made to the public, including those made by the decision maker, are made in good faith.
10. Support of the Practice. We will mentor new practitioners in the field and educate the decision makers and the public about the value and use of public participation.

(c) 2007 International Association for Public Participation www.iap2.org.