The Code of Ethics & Respect!

A message from your president, Susan Sommers

Armed with the heavy knowledge of the recent passing of the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, my husband and I attended a phenomenal blues show in Norwich, NY. The Chenango County Blues Festival featured many artists who performed tributes to her during their time on stage. Her impact on these musicians and so many Americans had been clearly seen all week in the many tributes and news stories discussing her life.

The music of Aretha and many of the classic blues artists address issues we as REALTORS® are charged with protecting, either through our Code of Ethics or The Pathways to Professionalism found as Appendix D of the Code. In Article 10, for example, it is stated that REALTORS® are charged with protecting, and shall not deny equal professional services to any person for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Aretha’s song, “Respect” is very much a feminist anthem, which speaks of treating women and all people equally.

“I Dreamed A Dream” speaks to Article 10 and her commitment to civil rights through her music.

“Do Right Woman, Do Right Man,” “Think,” and “You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman” all speak to sexual and gender equality and empowerment.

In Pathways to Professionalism, we speak of respect – respect for the public, following the golden rule and 20 other fantastic rules of the Code that raise our level of professionalism

Pathways also covers respect for property offering nine more “Golden Rules” for making sure our sellers are respected.

And finally, there is respect for our peers – the twelve “Rules to Remember” make us all kinder and more genuine human beings. These directives speak to so much of what Aretha and others preached through their music.

I encourage you to take a few moments to refresh your knowledge of the Pathways to Professionalism. With these in mind, I challenge you to think about the messages sung by the Queen of Soul about equality and respect, then use both to guide you in your daily business.

Best wishes for a fantastic fall selling season.