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Please note that a combination of education, work and life experience may be considered in lieu of other requirements.

SPAN provides opportunities for ongoing professional development and training and is an EEOA employer with a strong commitment to Affirmative Action. People of Color, LGBTQ+ folks, and people with different levels of abilities are encouraged to apply.

About SPAN

Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence (SPAN) is a human rights organization committed to ending violence against adults, youth, and children through support, advocacy, education, and community organizing. Operating since 1979, SPAN is the only organization serving Boulder, western Broomfield, smaller towns, and unincorporated Boulder County, designed to provide shelter and advocacy for victims of interpersonal violence. SPAN is dedicated to the promotion of social justice, diversity, equity, inclusivity, peace and non-violence for all individuals and their families.

SPAN Culture

SPAN team members are dedicated and work in a fast-paced environment with full days – which may include evenings and weekends for Shelter shifts – yet remain committed to a healthy work/life balance. While SPAN expects work to be taken seriously, it also knows the importance of having fun and the value of enjoying the work.

Our Organizational Goals

Foster Organizational Excellence
Provide meaningful and effective support and resources to adults, children, and youth impacted by interpersonal violence.

Violence Prevention Initiatives
Implement initiatives that promote safety, dignity, and liberation for all people.

People Centric
Engage team members, individuals, groups, policy makers, and the community at large in efforts that promote economic, racial, and social justice and an atmosphere where team members and clients are valued.

Inclusive
Team members are welcoming, inviting, authentic, outward-facing, and visible to all audiences, voices, and stories.

On Call Shelter Advocate

The Position

The Shelter On-Call Advocate will provide advocacy, support and crisis intervention for victims of domestic violence in a shelter setting and over the phone; promote a Shelter environment based on respect and nonviolence; support social justice efforts that positively impact women and children.

Compensation

$19.00 Hourly. No Benefits.

Responsibilities Include
  • Responsible for telephone crisis support, screenings for shelter, advocacy, information and referrals to crisis line callers.
  • Provides crisis intervention, counseling support, advocacy and milieu support to shelter residents.
  • Maintains case files, records and time sheets.
  • Assists with the overall physical appearance and cleanliness of the shelter.
  • Participates in On-Call Staff meetings and in supervision with Shelter Program Director on an as-needed basis.
  • Assures SPAN Shelter and Resource Center of 24/7 coverage, rotating day shifts, overnights, weekends and holidays.
  • Works in conjunction with the Shelter staff and other SPAN programs.
  • Adheres to SPAN policies and procedures; supports an environment based in respect, the utilization of ethical communication and adherence to the organization’s non-negotiables.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Shelter Program Director or Executive Director.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent life/work experience required.
  • At least six months of counseling & crisis intervention experience (paid or unpaid); Residential experience helpful.
  • Experience & knowledge of social justice issues, particularly battering, violence against survivors of domestic violence & their children, and of racial, class and sexual orientation issues.
  • Spanish bilingual preferred.
  • Time requirement varies – flexibility is appreciated.
Application Process

Please submit a resume and cover letter to hr@safehousealliance.org.

We like to receive electronic applications but will accept applications by US Mail to:
SPAN, Attn: HR,
835 North Street
Boulder, CO 80304

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Independent Contractors Needed: Spanish Bilingual Attorneys

Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence is seeking dynamic individuals to take part in an opportunity to support the SPAN Legal Advocacy program in its quest to assist survivors of interpersonal violence in our community.

Contract Opportunity

Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence coordinates the Lawyers for Victims Program (LFVP) which provides attorney representation at permanent protection order hearings for victims of family violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking in Boulder and Broomfield counties. LFVP clients have been granted a temporary protection order in county court and are likely to meet the legal criteria for a permanent protection order. LFVP is designed to increase access to and provision of direct legal services. Victims who find themselves in need of a civil order of protection frequently face the formidable task of confronting their abuser at the permanent protection order hearing. Access to the assistance, advice, and representation of an attorney fluent in a client’s primary language isa critical component to establishing ongoing safety. Spanish Bilingual Contract Attorneys participating in LFVP fill a gap for clients tasked with navigating a legal system that is inaccessible to clients with limited English proficiency.

Contract Rate & Time Commitment

SPAN contracts with local attorneys to provide specific, limited services for a flat fee per case. Attorneys representing clients who do not speak English as their primary language receive $900 per case; representation for monolingual English-speaking clients is compensated at $1000 per case. The differential in compensation is in recognition of the additional labor required of Bilingual Attorneys to provide inclusive and affirming service to clients in their native language.

Upon acceptance of a case referral, the Attorney agrees to contact the client within 24hours, and to meet with the client on at least one occasion (virtually or in person) at least 24hours prior to the hearing. Case volume and attorney availability fluctuate throughout the year. LFVP Contract Attorneys choose how many referrals they accept; on average, LFVP Contract Attorneys take one case in a 2-month period. In 2021, approximately 10 Spanish-speaking clients sought services through LFVP. For the purposes of this program, a case will commence upon acceptance of a referral from the LFVP Managing Attorney and continue until either the conclusion of the permanent protection order hearing or the removal of the case from county court.

About You
  • You have experience litigating civil issues related to domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
  • You have proven written and oral communication skills in Spanish.
  • You’ve progressive experience supporting survivors of trauma and understand dynamics of violence which are enacted at interpersonal, institutional, and societal levels.
  • You’re committed to fighting for survivors, especially immigrant, limited English proficiency, QTBIPOC, and LGBTQI+ victims of violence.
  • You are authorized to practice law in Colorado and carry liability insurance.
  • You have excellent organizational and problem-solving skills, you can communicate with a variety of audiences, you appreciate the details, and you’re organized.

Shelter Advocate/Counselor

Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence is seeking a dynamic team member to work closely with and among other SPAN teammates in its quest to end interpersonal violence within its community. By asking to join SPAN, means that you are committed to working toward fulfilling this quest.

The Position:

The Shelter Advocate/Counselor provides crisis intervention, safety planning, trauma-informed counseling support, case management, and advocacy to shelter residents to increase stability factors in their lives and access needed services and resources. Additionally assists with crisis line support; maintains community contacts and resources; promotes a Shelter environment based on respect and nonviolence; supports social justice efforts that positively impact survivors and their children.

Compensation:

This is a nonexempt, salaried position. The salary range is $44,000 to $49,000 annually, depending on experience. An additional $100/month ($1,200/annually) is provided for Spanish-language proficiency. Compensation also includes our standard benefit package, including a medical plan, dental plan, holiday pay and paid time off, reduced rate Eco-Pass, Simple IRA retirement plan with 2% agency contribution, and Employee Assistance Program.

About You:

-You’ve progressive experience working with and supporting survivors of abuse in shelter or other crisis settings.
-You’ve served as a crisis counselor, advocate, case manager, or resource navigator.
-You’re a collaborator, with internal departments and community partners, to deliver comprehensive support services for adult and child survivors in shelter settings.
-You likely have been active in anti-violence and gender/social justice initiatives and have experience working directly with marginalized communities.
-You have excellent organizational and problem-solving skills, you can communicate with a variety of audiences, you appreciate the details, and you’re organized.

A Day in the Life:

-Provides crisis intervention, case management, trauma-informed support counseling and advocacy to assist shelter residents (adults and children).
-Provides advocacy services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, and other forms abuse.
-Assists with crisis line coverage to provide telephone crisis counseling, intakes & screenings into shelter, advocacy, and referrals to crisis line callers.
-Facilitates support groups for Shelter residents, including the weekly house meetings.
-Supports interns and practicum students assigned to the Shelter program.
-Assures Shelter Team of coverage including weekend, evening and holiday shifts.
-Builds new and manages existing relationships through collaboration. Specific focus on expanding partnerships with community organizations serving marginalized populations.
-Maintains case files & records and preparing monthly reports and time sheets. Inputs all necessary client information (such as intakes, activities, case notes, and hotline/crisis calls) in Salesforce data system for accurate recordkeeping and monthly statistics.

What You Bring to Us:

-A 4-year degree in counseling, social work or gender studies, knowledge in a related field, or a combination of education and experience.
-Two years of progressive experience in crisis intervention or survivor advocacy. It will also help you to have experience working in shelter settings and supporting volunteers/interns.
-Proven written and oral communication skills. Spanish-bilingual preferred but not required.

-Knowledge of or experience working with social justice issues, specifically intimate partner, and gender-based violence, and racial, class, gender, and sexual orientation issues strongly preferred. Requires excellent organizational skills.

If you’ve made it to this bullet, you can guess that you need great computer skills including Microsoft Office and virtual meeting platforms. You also need to produce and meet deadlines in our fast-paced and changing environment.

About Us:

Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence (SPAN) is a human rights organization committed to ending violence against adults, youth, and children through support, advocacy, education, and community organizing. Operating since 1979, SPAN is the only organization serving Boulder, western Broomfield, smaller towns, and unincorporated Boulder County, designed to provide shelter and advocacy for victims of interpersonal violence. SPAN is dedicated to the promotion of social justice, diversity, equity, inclusivity, peace and non-violence for all individuals and their families.

SPAN Culture:

SPAN team members are dedicated and work in a fast-paced environment with full days – which may include evenings and weekends for Shelter shifts – yet remain committed to a healthy work/life balance. While SPAN expects work to be taken seriously, it also knows the importance of having fun and the value of enjoying the work.

SPAN’s Organizational Goals: Foster organizational excellence – Provide meaningful and effective support and resources to adults, children, and youth impacted by interpersonal violence.

Violence prevention initiatives – Implement initiatives that promote safety, dignity, and liberation for all people. People Centric – Engage team members, individuals, groups, policy makers, and the community at large in efforts that promote economic, racial, and social justice and an atmosphere where team members and clients are valued.

Inclusive – Team members are welcoming, inviting, authentic, outward-facing, and visible to all audiences, voices, and stories.

Application Process:

Please submit a resume and cover letter to hr@safehousealliance.org.
We like to receive electronic applications but will accept applications by US Mail to: SPAN, Attn: HR, 835 North St, Boulder CO 80304.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The Legal Stuff:

-You need to be able to sit or stand for long periods each day. While not frequent, you need to reach for, move and/or 20 pounds and use your hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, mobility to access a wide variety of meeting and settings, and to perform a variety of tasks that involve standing, walking/traversing, sitting, stooping, kneeling, bending, and twisting, climbing stairs or using an elevator, possibly reaching chest high and overhead for materials, with reasonable accommodation (we put it all in 1 sentence to may our legal team happy!).
-Ability to communicate adequately in person and by phone, in personal and group settings, and function with periodic distractions such as people, telephone calls, and noise.
-Ability to work with, and process information from, a variety of individuals and media (e.g., computers, projected images, printed materials).

SPAN is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all team members and to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at SPAN are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual applicant qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, or belief, ancestry, age, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), family or parental status, or any other status protected by law. SPAN will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

CO-Director of Shelter & Housing Programs

Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence is seeking a dynamic team member to work closely with and among other SPAN teammates in its quest to end interpersonal violence within its community. By asking to join
SPAN means that you are committed to working toward fulfilling this quest.

The Position

SPAN is searching for an LPC/LMSW or nearly licensed candidate to fill our position of Co-Director of Shelter & Housing programs. The Co-Director of Shelter & Housing Programs, in partnership with their co-Director, is
responsible for Shelter and Housing Program development, implementation, supervision, and management of services provided by SPAN.  This Co-Director collaborates with community organizations and SPAN resources to
address the short and long-term shelter and housing, mental and physical health, and crisis response needs of adult and child survivors of domestic violence (DV) and intimate partner violence (IPV). This Co-Director leads
efforts to integrate trauma-informed services into the Shelter environment, and supports systems change and the expansion of resources.

Compensation

This is an exempt, salaried position. The salary is $68,000-$75,000 annually, depending on your qualifications.
An additional $100 per month ($1,200 per year) bilingual pay differential is available for proven Spanish language proficiency. Compensation also includes our standard benefit package, including a medical plan, dental plan, generous vacation, sick leave and holiday time off, reduced rate Eco-Pass, Simple IRA retirement plan with 2% agency contribution, and Employee Assistance Program.

About You

• You have a passion for social justice and trauma-informed crisis support.
• You have progressive experience in human services and/or IPV advocacy/services.
• You have clinical experience supporting trauma survivors and those working with them.
• You’ve served as an advocate for domestic violence/IPV survivors, and you understand the dynamics of
IPV and trauma-informed, healing-centered crisis intervention and post-traumatic growth.
• You are excited about challenging and working toward systems change providing advocacy on behalf of
survivors of domestic abuse and IPV.
• You’re a collaborator, with internal departments and others within the community to develop systemchange and advocacy effortsto improve institutionalresponse to survivors of domestic violence/IPV and
their children.
• You’ve been at the management level working in crisis and/or shelter environments, and you excel at
team building, conflict resolution, and leadership.
• You have excellent organizational and problem-solving skills, you can communicate with a variety of
audiences, you appreciate the details, and you’re organized.

A Day in the Life

Shelter & Housing Programs
• Provides departmental strategies, development, support, and supervision, including crisis/intake services
and residential programming. Supports Co-Director in implementing post-Shelter housing resources and
services.
• Develops and maintains a Shelter living environment that promotes safety, dignity, wellness, and respect.
for all clients, and a supportive work environment for staff, volunteers and interns.
• Implements policies and protocol that are culturally accessible, trauma-informed, strengths-based, clientdefined, and which provide a positive shelter experience regardless of race, ethnicity, language, sexual
orientation, gender identity, mental or physical abilities, religious affiliation, or other social and/or
cultural barriers.
• Works in partnership with Co-Director to schedule 24/7 coverage for the Shelter Program and crisis-line
services; provides back-up and after-hours support as needed.
• Develops, implements, and supervises crisis counseling services for Shelter clients; trains and supervises
staff and counseling interns to provide immediate crisis intervention and short-term trauma counseling in
individual and group settings.
• Partners with Co-Director to support staff/interns and accomplish program goals and outcomes.
• Provides departmental program data, including evaluations, monthly progress reports and statistics, and
other necessary reports.
• Recruits, hires, trains, and supervises departmental staff members and interns. Focusses on team
building and secondary trauma reduction.
• Works closely and collaborates with SPAN program directors through weekly meetings.
Collaboration
• Collaborates with Co-Director and all SPAN programs, community organizations and initiatives to improve
access to and availability of emergency shelter, short/long term housing, and crisis intervention resources
for survivors of domestic violence/IPV, elder abuse, sexual violence, and human trafficking.
• Implements Shelter-based positive parenting and parent-child trauma recovery programming like Parents
as Teachers, Let’s Connect, and Family Resilience. Participates in DV/Child Protective Services
Consultation Team to support system-involved non-offending parents and their children.
• Assists in organizational and community training and outreach efforts.
• Participates in weekly Shelter/Housing Team meetings and all-staff and management meetings.
• With Co-Director, manages the SPAN Spiritual Support Team, Safe Pets Program, and agency workgroups
focused on improved client services.
• Participates in system-change and advocacy efforts to improve institutional response to survivors of
domestic violence/IPV and their children.
• Works closely with government and nonprofit community partners to expand resources and enhance
services for domestic violence/IPV survivors and their children.
• Represents SPAN at various committees and task forces.
What You Bring to Us
• Master’s degree in counseling or social work preferred, or any equivalent combination of education
and/or clinical experience.
• LPC or LMSW, or ability to get licensed within 6mos of hire required.
• Five years of progressive experience in human services and/or IPV advocacy/services, and 3 years’
11202024 3
experience in management/supervision and working in crisis and/or shelter environments is required. It
will also help you to have clinical experience and strong working knowledge of the dynamics of domestic
violence, and trauma-informed and healing-centered crisis intervention.
• Proven experience effectively challenging and working toward systems change providing advocacy on
behalf of survivors of interpersonal violence.
• Exceptional team building, conflict resolution, leadership skills, and ability to effectively address
vicarious trauma is required.
• Written and oral communication in Spanish and the ability to act as Cultural Broker is strongly preferred.
• If you’ve made it to this bullet, you can guess that you need great computer skills including Microsoft
Office. You also need to produce and meet deadlines in our fast-paced and changing environment and
have proven written and oral communication skills in English. If you are bilingual in Spanish with cultural
broker experience, you’re a strong candidate.
• The desire and ability to work with passion, diligence, and humor; usually days, but nights and weekends
if needed.

About Us

Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence (SPAN) is a human rights organization committed to ending violence against adults, youth, and children through support, advocacy, education, and community organizing.
Operating since 1979, SPAN is the only organization serving Boulder, western Broomfield, smaller towns, and unincorporated Boulder County, designed to provide shelter and advocacy for victims of interpersonal violence.

SPAN is dedicated to the promotion of social justice, diversity, equity, inclusivity, peace and non-violence for all individuals and their families.

SPAN Culture:

SPAN team members are dedicated and work in a fast-paced environment with full days – including some evenings and weekends – yet remain committed to a healthy work/life balance. While SPAN expects work to be
taken seriously, it also knows the importance of having fun and the value of enjoying the work.

SPAN’s Organizational Goals:

Foster organizational excellence – Provide meaningful and effective support and resources to adults, children, and youth impacted by interpersonal violence. Violence prevention initiatives – Implement initiatives that
promote safety, dignity, and liberation for all people. People Centric – Engage team members, individuals, groups, policy makers, and the community at large in efforts that promote economic, racial, and social justice and an atmosphere where team members and clients are valued. Inclusive – Team members are welcoming, inviting, authentic, outward- facing, and visible to all audiences, voices, and stories.

Read more about SPAN’s Core Values here.

Application Process

We like to receive electronic applications but will accept applications by mail. Please submit a resume and cover letter to hr@safehousealliance.org. You can also see open positions on our website at Employment
Opportunities – Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence (safehousealliance.org). Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The Legal Stuff

• You need to be able to sit or stand for long periods each day. While not frequent, you need to reach for, move and/or 15 pounds and use your hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, mobility to access a wide variety of meeting and settings, and to perform a variety of tasks that involve standing, walking/traversing, sitting, stooping, kneeling, bending, and twisting, occasionally climbing stairs or using an elevator, possibly reaching chest high and overhead for materials, with reasonable accommodation (we put it all in 1 sentence to may our legal team happy!).

• Ability to communicate adequately in person and by phone, in personal and group settings, and function with periodic distractions such as people, telephone calls, and noise.
• Ability to work with, and process information from, a variety of individuals and media (e.g., computers, projected images, printed materials).
• SPAN is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all team members and to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at
SPAN are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual applicant qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, or belief, ancestry, age, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), family or parental status, or any other status protected by law. SPAN will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

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Non-Negotiables for SPAN

The primary expectation of all SPAN staff, volunteers, interns and board members is a willingness to take responsibility for their own responses and reactions to any given situation and to engage in a process that is ongoing and open to learning and feedback. The following “Non-Negotiables” are intended to help clarify the philosophical goals of the agency and serve as the baseline criteria from which we assess levels of appropriateness for working within the agency. Political education and active critical thinking are necessary components of our work.

  1. We share a basic understanding that
    • violence against women is systemic;
    • women are an oppressed group; and
    • oppression in any form (racism, sexism, heterosexism, classism, cissexism, ageism, ableism etc.) is an act of violence.
  2. We acknowledge intimate partner violence as an action taken primarily against women.
  3. We do not blame the victim in any way for victimization. This includes:
    • respect for all people regardless of race, gender, religion, culture, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status or class;
    • an understanding of the use of violence that considers patterns of behavior, motive and impact, as opposed to a single act; and
    • an approach that is rooted in advocacy as defined by the client.
  4. We continuously work to recognize and challenge our own personal beliefs. This requires:
    • an ongoing process of becoming aware of our own prejudices and privileges;
    • constant effort made toward avoiding projection of personal beliefs about a client’s and/or their children’s circumstances, or assuming that we know what is best for them;
    • the responsibility to be aware of our judgments and reactions when others disagree or hold different beliefs from our own.
    • a willingness to share personal ideas and to receive feedback and challenges on these ideas;
    • the responsibility to challenge oppression and privilege in others and ourselves; and
    • full accountability for our words and actions.
  5. We demonstrate willingness to relinquish/share power and privilege. We are committed to seeking understanding about our experiences both as oppressor and oppressed.
  6. We have a commitment to ethical communication in all of our interpersonal encounters. It is our goal to support each other in this process.
  7. We value and are committed to social change through activism and community organizing.
  8. We challenge and avoid the use of blaming, disrespectful or violent language in our daily lives.
  9. We strive to ensure that our actions, with clients, each other and the community at-large are consistent with our stated beliefs.
  10. We believe that the use of any form of violence to establish power and control is not acceptable.

In summary, the Non-Negotiables reflect a process that occurs on a continuum. There is no finish line or ‘final destination’ in following these guidelines. Instead, we recognize the fluidity of learning and change. There are few role models for the implementation of these and similar philosophical goals. We are committed to participating in the process reflected in these “Non-Negotiables” to the best of our ability.

Ethical Communication

Ethical Communication has evolved into a practice that incorporates feminist, social activist, theological, multiracial and recovery-program perspectives, and it addresses issues of oppression and empowerment. While it is a useful means for resolving conflict, Ethical Communication is also a practice for everyday encounters. It reflects a social change paradigm, and it provides a professional standard by which to measure interactions with colleagues. It is a method that can work in a hierarchical organizational structure, provided that an abuse of power is not present. The practice of Ethical Communication maximizes opportunities for open and direct interaction within organizations while minimizing the potential for blow-ups and damaging incidents.

Social Justice Principles of Ethical Communication
  • Direct communication and resolution are primary goals
  • As members of a group, we cultivate open personal agendas vs. secret agendas
  • No one is isolated or denied a process when challenges arise
  • We are accountable – individually and as a group – for the impact of unethical alliance building and power blocs on the group
  • Conflict and precisely focused anger can be instructive experiences and at times essential to reach true resolution
  • We strive to become aware of and take responsible action for power differentials (formal and informal power)
  • We notice and are accountable for patterns reflecting privilege
  • We remain open to examining own beliefs and perceptions without indulging in self-consciousness

Good communication skills can take a lifetime to develop: how do we articulate our views clearly, hear another’s viewpoint, and engage in disagreement in a way that is respectful and direct? Additionally, while conflict is a daily occurrence and can prompt us into action, how we respond to it, our motives and our methods for handling it is the ethical challenge. Developing facilitation skills in Ethical Communication can lead to resolution among individuals and groups. Learning to give feedback in a direct, honest, and respectful way can improve our ability to receive and incorporate feedback for self-improvement. By taking responsibility to ensure a safe (though not always comfortable!) group environment, we are more able to take personal risks in challenging each other and in sharing new ideas.

When we model ethical standards of communication in our daily lives, we challenge ourselves to weigh and reevaluate the meaning of our words. When we hold every viewpoint as valid, even if we disagree with it, we dismantle the entities that seek to silence us. By focusing on the issue or behavior rather than the person, we receive opportunities to expand our vision by seeing things from more than one angle. By imparting respect and empathy when confronting an opposing viewpoint, we cultivate the wisdom and patience necessary for sustaining us through social struggles. By incorporating these skills daily within our professional and personal lives, we model behavior that is at the heart of social change – healing through action. Through ethical interactions, we broaden and strengthen the web that binds us to our common humanity.

These Guidelines are part of a larger workbook and training program on Ethical Communication, developed by the staff at Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence. For presentation information or to purchase Ethical Communication materials, please contact Ashley Bianchi, Training and Engagement Coordinator, at 303-449-8623, or ashleyb@safehousealliance.org.

Ethical Communication Checklist
  • GO INWARD and take responsibility for your own reactions and personal growth.
  • MAKE a COMMITMENT to yourself, the other person and the group that you will reach resolution to the conflict. This is different than wanting to prove that you’re right. You might want to discuss what “resolution” would look like for each of you.
  • Go DIRECTLY to the SOURCE of your concerns. This eliminates gossip, group fragmentation and putting people in the middle of a situation that has nothing to do with them.
  • Use “I” STATEMENTS, CLEAR LANGUAGE and as many SPECIFIC EXAMPLES as possible. This might require taking some time to first determine what the key issues are.
  • BE PREPARED to take the TIME to work through it. If resolution is not attained in the first meeting, then make a commitment to ongoing discussion.
  • Allow yourself be CHALLENGED by new ideas. CONSTRUCTIVE criticism is ethical. Debate and disagreement can be healthy. It might not always feel comfortable, but as long as it’s done in the spirit of respect, it’s an opportunity for you to GROW (…and it can be done gently, too)!
  • Keep the GOAL of Ethical Communication in mind: resolvable conflict and unity. Reaching resolution creates power and cohesion in a group committed to social change.
  • PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE!