VALUES AND ETHICS
“I help people as a work on myself, and I work on myself to help people.”
—Ram Dass
VALUES
Access
All beings should have equal access to contemplative and devotional spiritual teachings and practices. We are committed to lowering barriers to access by providing affordable, free, and donation-based offerings, scholarship opportunities, and outreach to the prison system. We understand that there are other structural barriers to access besides physical and financial, and we strive to ensure that our events are a safe and inviting space for all, including BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. We are also committed to forming diverse collaborations so we can serve the most people in the best way.
Introspection
We recognize the long history of spiritual “truth” used as weapons to perpetuate the oppressive systems of colonization, exploitation, patriarchy, white supremacy, heteronormativity, ableism, and class. We aim to be constantly critical of these influences on our thinking and actions so we can minimize harm and move towards rectifying past wrongs. We recognize that we too are participatory in an unhealthy system, and our minds are plagued by the virus of colonization and extraction. Thus, we strive to be learners of continuous growth on the path.
Service
The teachings are only thoughts if not embodied. We commit to live these teachings through social action and direct service.
Integrity
Everything matters. We adamantly deny “the end justifies the means.” We honor process as its own fruit, and we strive to be ethical in every decision, commitment, interaction, collaboration, sourcing, and production.
ETHICS
Every member involved with SCP — including the board of directors, retreat facilitators, teachers, volunteers, or contract workers — vow to abide by the following ethical principles based on the teachings of Love, Service, Remembrance, and Truth.
Service as a Spiritual Path
SCP members work to elevate service to others above self-interest, and we act as a source of good. We see service as a core element of our spiritual path. We do not view service as an activity we do; rather we see it as a way of life and a lens for relating to the world.
Respect and Care
SCP Members treat each person in a caring and respectful fashion, and we strive to promote positive relationships and strengthen community bonds.
We honor confidentiality as an act of love, and we do not engage in gossip. This is not a strict adherence to secrecy, however, and we will share pertinent information with the leadership team as needed to ensure continued safety and integrity in the community.
Practice
We are committed to our own daily practices and self-care, and we ask for help when we need it. We recognize our needs, and we honor them. This allows us to show up in service.
Remembrance
We remember interdependence as the foundation of everything we do, and we remain aware of SCP’s mission, values, ethical principles, and standards in all actions. We hold the SCP Invocation close, and we remember to attend to the “Five things” as an act of devotion.
Honesty and Integrity
SCP members vow to only speak what is true and useful, and we act in a trustworthy manner. We agree to cultivate conscious, loving, honest, and clear communication.
We act with integrity with regards to money. SCP is entrusted to be a steward for its community’s resources, and any person spending SCP money is by extension a caretaker. We vow not to misappropriate funds, and we will only spend money on things that are necessary for the ongoing service of SCP. This means we will be diligent in spending money wisely.
Humility and Responsibility
We do not pretend to be experts, and we walk a path of not knowing with humility. We generously accept the correction of our own mistakes, and we make amends for harm caused by our actions.
Do No Harm
SCP members avoid all types of violence and oppression. This includes any form of discrimination or physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional violence.
SCP Members do not engage in gossip, name-calling, manipulation, or dishonesty.
SCP Members agree not to exploit our leadership roles to engage in a sexual relationship with someone we are serving. We agree to avoid creating harm through sexuality and to avoid sexual exploitation.
SCP Members do not misuse intoxicants and do not show up in service while under the influence of intoxicants.
SCP Members do not steal or misuse funds that they have been entrusted to serve the SCP community with.
Being a Good Community Member
SCP members are mindful that we are representing SCP in both our public and personal lives, and we follow these values to the best of our abilities at all times.
At SCP, we often interface with multiple overlapping spiritual communities. The majority of the people who volunteer at SCP have spent time in places like LSRF Ram Dass Fellowships, Hanuman Maui, Upaya, Spirit Rock, or the Taos Neem Karoli Baba Ashram. SCP also hosts our own retreats, and many of our members have attended these as participants.
The people we serve are often also members of these overlapping communities, and we want them to feel safe and respected when they reach out to SCP for support. Thus, it is important that we maintain our goodwill with other spiritual communities. This is done by each of us committing to maintain these ethical principles at all times.
Accountability
All SCP members are accountable to these ethical precepts. Any complaints can be made directly to the board of directors at the contact form below. If you prefer to speak to a specific board member, please say so in your initial message, so the appropriate person can reach out to you.