Reaching Nature Connection: Singing Snails and Rainbow Tails

SOIL Values & Code of Conduct

Please read carefully and digitally sign in the space provided at the end of this section.

Striving towards our Best Selves

In the pursuit of providing the safest, deepest and most enriching experience possible we recognize that who we are being is just as important, if not more so, than what we are doing or teaching. Just below the surface of the curriculum and skills that we teach is the greater goal of helping to raise future elders with the power to co-create a regenerative culture grounded in healthy connection to the natural world and each other.

To this end School of Integrated Living has found it valuable to identify VALUES and a CODE OF CONDUCT that we as staff and teachers strive towards, both individually and collectively. By holding these expectations of ourselves and each other in a supportive environment, we have the opportunity to lean into our growth edges and become the people we want to see in the world.

We put forth this code of conduct not because we anticipate bad behavior, but because we believe in the already exceptional level of respect among us. We believe that articulating our values and accountabilities to one another reinforces that respect and provides us with clear avenues to correct our culture should it ever stray.

We ask you, as a participant, to also practice these values and principles for the benefit of all.

Values

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, religion, nationality, immigration status, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliation, education, socioeconomic status or background, or physical appearance. We are united by our values and we celebrate our unique differences.

Values and assumptions upon which this Code of Conduct is built:

• It is possible to create the world we want to see by walking our talk and learning from our mistakes.
• Intention is not the same as impact; we can have good intentions and still have a hurtful or damaging impact.
• Dismantling racism, sexism, heterosexism, and unlearning oppressive attitudes takes a lifetime.
• We are continually learning how to rely on our love and regard for each other (whether present or desired), our resilience, our humility, and our sense of humor.
• We are all fabulous. We are not here to “fix” each other; rather our work is to love ourselves into who we are, knowing how conditioned we all are by dominator culture.
• We cannot offer each other "safe space." Any space in which we are working together can become unsafe within moments.
• We strive to create "safer space" which is grounded in respect, where we assume positive intent and listen deeply to the voices of others.

Code of Conduct

Because I want to contribute to this experience being a safe, healing, and celebratory environment, I will do my best to embody these values and principles for the benefit of myself and my community relations: APPRECIATION: I seek to recognize and acknowledge the gifts of each individual. I take steps to include everyone in the group and listen for “the quietest voice”.

Feedback & Conflict Resolution

I agree to give and receive feedback in a manner that works for myself and others with openness, respect, honesty, and compassion. I will ask permission before giving feedback, and prioritize finding the best time to give and/or receive it. When I offer feedback, I will connect my feelings to my needs as the cause, rather than imply another person is the cause of my feelings. If I cannot resolve a conflict to my satisfaction I agree to seek help from staff or others.

Focus & Shared Intent

I tend to my awareness of the group intention, being mindful of ways in which I can support it, as well as ways in which I may be a distraction. I am responsible for helping create my community.

Integrity & Accountability

I keep my agreements. I continually practice doing what I say I am going to do. When I am unable to follow through, I communicate in a timely manner to the people I made an agreement with. I am aware that breaking agreements may lead to natural or negotiated consequences.

Honoring Boundaries

I honor others’ boundaries as well as set and honor my own. When I honor someone’s boundaries, it is a sign of respect. I understand that if I continue to say or do things that violate other people’s needs after being asked to stop, protective use of force may be used.

Personal Responsibility

I assume full ownership of my behavior and choices. I strive always to be my best self, and I’m accountable for times in which I fall short of this goal. I lean into my growth edges, and I let my gifts shine.

Care

I care about my needs and others’ needs equally moment by moment. I tend to my personal health needs and recognize that self-care is not selfish. I recognize that by doing so I am more capable of showing up fully as my best self.

Word Power

I will practice the ability to speak positively in the face of no apparent solution. I will continue to honor the gifts of each individual even when it may not be apparent to me that they are growing at that time.

Service

I choose the path of being helpful, of seeing the best in others, of being the change I want to see in the world through positive role-modeling and intent. I value being of service to something greater than myself, and I strive to walk that path in my daily life.

Healing

I acknowledge that my greater context is within the influence of a wounded society, which has likely resulted in deep wounding for myself and others. I recognize that the essential work of mentoring and teaching in the realm of cultural resilience has the potential to resurface old wounds, both for the staff/teachers and participants. I allow appropriate space and offer support for the healing of these wounds, both for myself and others, and I see that this in turn supports the greater goals and vision of School of Integrated Living.

Unity

I act in unison with the vision of the School of Integrated Living. I am a team player. I look for the value in establishing a feeling of one-mindedness. I practice cooperation and tuning into the big picture of things and I support the group to maintain its center.

Inner Peace

I attend to my own inner needs (emotionally, mentally and spiritually). I satisfy my own needs for solitude, reflection, integration and self-care. I address others from my place of inner truth and peace.

Thankfulness

I explore and express my gratitude creatively each day. I focus on and express gratitude for the ways my needs are being met, even when some needs are not being met in significant ways.