The Goodenough Community Code of Conduct
For the safety and wellbeing of myself and the Goodenough Community, I commit to practicing right relationship to myself and others in thought, words and action.
IN THOUGHT
● I take responsibility for how I manage and express my emotions, and for my mental health
● I ask for time, silence or prayer when I need to tend to my thoughts or emotions, or when I recognize that need within a group
● I am honest with myself about my own boundaries, and am discerning where I place my trust
● I am willing to own my part in co-creating a difficult situation
● I am accountable for the impact of my words, attitudes and behaviors, even if offered with good intent
● I am curious, open to feedback, and willing to learn. I set aside the need to be “right” or to “fix”
● I acknowledge my mistakes, apologize, make amends and take responsibility for making changes
IN WORDS
● I uphold civility by speaking to and of others with compassion, kindness, tact and respect
● I maintain confidentiality, and seek permission before sharing another’s experience
● I speak and act in alignment with my truth
● I listen actively, deeply and with humility, and allow others to express themselves fully
● I acknowledge what has been said before the conversation moves on
● I ask questions for deeper understanding, and to avoid assumptions and projections
● I avert triangulation. I talk to others directly and promptly to clear hurts and misunderstandings, even if those conversations are challenging
● I avoid collusion by speaking up when I witness words and behaviors that are not in the best interest of individuals or the community
● I express gratitude to others
IN ACTION
● I commit to behaving with honesty and integrity
● I make agreements that I intend to keep, and I communicate in a timely manner if I cannot keep my word
● I foster a sense of belonging within myself and others
● I support authentic expression by cultivating a safe environment in which to be vulnerable
● I prevent coercion by requesting and receiving consent; for example, before offering feedback, advice or touch
● I respect the boundaries of others, and I accept that ‘no’ means ‘no’
● I avoid words and behaviors that are judgmental or shaming
● I seek appropriate support when my skills and efforts don’t feel adequate to manage my emotions, including anger, or to restore trust and right relationship
● I abide by the GEC’s Code of Conduct when interacting with children (in progress)
● I practice respect for my physical environment, my relational environment, and the land and its inhabitants
The Covenant
The Covenant is a more historic, but still meaningful document that has guided the community in different iterations since the early '80's. It is often seen as the more aspirational, underlying principles that the Code of Conduct is based on.
As a member of the Goodenough Community, I commit to being the best version of myself:
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By entering fully into life’s experiences;
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By giving myself fully to the process of transformation through the expression of love;
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By trusting the good intentions of each one of us;
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By relating to others with respect and acceptance;
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By making and keeping agreements with great care;
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By being constant through conflict;
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By honoring leadership in others as a method to develop the leader in myself;
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By taking responsibility for my unique and significant role in the world;
By acknowledging the inner and interconnectedness of all creation, thus being safe and at home in the universe.