Code of Ethics

Young Voices fiercely defends our independence as an organization from outside influence and actively facilitates open dialogue — and even disagreement — among our writers about pressing issues of the day, from a classical liberal perspective.

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Code of Ethics
Young Voices’ Board of Directors approved the following code to clarify and enhance our ethical practices on September 21, 2017:

• Young Voices is a nonprofit organization that aims to promote the perspectives of libertarian writers under 35 in the media.
• The individual opinions of our writers (whom we call “contributors”) as expressed in print and broadcast interviews do not necessarily reflect an official position of Young Voices as an organization.
• Young Voices is independent and nonpartisan. We are not a subsidiary of or loyal to any political party, company, or nonprofit organization.
• Young Voices does not accept government funding. We are supported solely by the generosity of private individuals, foundations, and partner organizations.
• Young Voices does not publicly disclose the name of our donors nor the amount of their gifts per standard nonprofit practice. We do, however, disclose basic financial information in our annual reports to be transparent to our supporters.
• Young Voices maintains a strict independent editorial policy. Our op-eds are not seen by, sent to, or edited by supporters before they are released. Our partners see our content and outputs at the same time as the general public.
• Maintaining these standards helps keep Young Voices free of outside influence and ultimately accountable to our contributors and supporters.

Statement of Values

As a classically liberal organization, Young Voices affirms the following principles:

Free Markets and Human Flourishing
Free market capitalism remains the most effective system for promoting innovation, opportunity, and rising living standards. When individuals are free to exchange goods, services, and ideas, decentralized decision-making and price signals produce better outcomes than centralized control. We favor limited, predictable government that allows markets to function while avoiding unnecessary distortion.

Individual Liberty
A free society depends on the ability of individuals to think, speak, and live according to their own values—so long as they respect the equal rights of others. Freedom of speech, a free press, and the right to peacefully assemble are essential to open inquiry, cultural vitality, and democratic accountability. We strongly defend the principles of the First Amendment and oppose efforts to restrict lawful expression.

Human Dignity and Equality Under the Law
All individuals are equal before the law and entitled to due process. The presumption of innocence and equal protection are essential safeguards against abuse of power. We reject discrimination under the law and oppose collective judgments based on immutable characteristics. A just society treats people as individuals and protects their rights accordingly.

Foreign Policy and Constitutional Principles
American foreign policy should be guided by prudence, constitutional limits, and a clear understanding of the national interest. While reasonable people may disagree on specific cases, we believe the United States is strongest when it avoids unnecessary conflict, prioritizes diplomacy, and treats military force as a last resort reserved for clear cases of self-defense.