Amethyst Retreat Center THE AGREEMENTS

1. Equality and Diversity are honored. We will continually work to develop our individual and collective patience, a willingness to learn from each other and mutual respect.

2. Deeds done and words said should enhance the beauty of the world, increase harmony between beings and promote the general wellness of the community. Actions, deeds and words opposed to these principles should be avoided.

3. Love and Honesty are equal energies in our communication. We use our words and actions to communicate clearly and with compassion to avoid misunderstandings.

4. We take responsibility for our thoughts, feelings, and the actions we choose. Our perceptions and feelings are important for our personal learning and healing. We share them with others as our personal perspective, not theirs. We share our thoughts and feelings with the intent to foster understanding and we avoid seeking to solely defend a position of right or wrong.

5. Different perspectives, objections or concerns are valuable input to the creative process. We agree we will contribute our ideas and recommendations peacefully and with the intent of working collaboratively with others.

6. We agree to communicate to resolve differences and conflicts in person or by phone if necessary, but not by using text messages and social media posts.

Amethyst Retreat Center CONFLICT RESOLUTION PROCEDURE Assumptions:

• Anyone in our community that is directly or indirectly affected can identify the need for conflict resolution and therefore request that conflict be resolved.

• Many conflicts can be resolved between people through honest and compassionate communication without needing to enter a formal conflict resolution process. As we evolve individually and as a community, we anticipated this will be the norm.

• Conflicts that are taken public, meaning beyond the individuals in conflict and that are disruptive to the community atmosphere of learning living and healing must be resolved through this conflict resolution process.

• Individuals that are aggressive or violent (verbally or in action) will be asked to rest away from the Amethyst property until their emotions calm down and clear communication between individuals is possible.

• Individuals that commit acts of sexual assault or are physically violent will be removed from the property and the community indefinitely.

• Conflict resolution will be handled first at the Community level • Professional mediation is helpful when individuals have difficulty listening to each other.

Mediators do not judge right or wrong. Their role is to keep the dialogue moving toward listening to each other; understanding each other; and then mutually agreed upon resolution.

• Conflicts that can not be resolved at the Community level are escalated to the Amethyst Board of Directors.

Resolving Conflict at the Community Level:

• The Executive Director of the Community Council is notified of the need for conflict resolution. • The Executive Director of the Community Council will assign a member of the Community

Council to facilitate the conflict resolution process. • The Council member’s role is to obtain a general understanding of the conflict, to encourage

communication, to monitor the process to insure individuals involved are taking steps to meet and resolve the conflict.

• The Council member is a silent witness having only the intent to be present and listen as individuals share their perspective. The council member does not take sides or judge right or wrong.

• Once the Council member has a general understanding of the conflict, the details are not discussed without all individuals involved being present. The Council member can however discuss the situation with the Executive Director.

• The Council member will escalate the situation to the Executive Director, Community Council if individuals become aggressive or if they can not reach a resolution.

o Community Council members wanting to facilitate in this role must be trained in Non-violent communication and Mental Health First Aid (both classes will be offered in the near future through Amethyst)

• If individuals meet, talk to each other and can peacefully resolve the conflict, no further action is needed. The Council member will notify the Executive Director of the resolution.

• If the conflict isn’t reaching resolution but individuals are willing to continue to try, the Community Council member can recommend professional mediation support for the individuals involved. If agreed to:

o Neighborhood Dispute Settlement is called and they will handle all coordination for the mediation process.

o The Executive Director, Community Council is notified of the transfer to NDS mediation.

o The Council member continues to monitor the progress but does not get involved in mediation.

• If at any time the conflict becomes abusive, aggressive, violent or if the individuals involved are not willing or able to resolve the conflict, the conflict is referred to the Amethyst Foundation Board of Directors.

Resolving Conflict at the Amethyst Board of Directors Level: • Notify the President, Board of Directors • The President of the Board will assign a board member to facilitate the conflict resolution

process. All board members will be trained in nonviolent communication and Mental Health First Aid

• Individuals that are publicly escalating the conflict or acting aggressively (verbally or in their action) will be asked to rest away from the Amethyst property and ARC social media groups until the emotions calm down and real communication between individuals is possible. During this time, the facilitating board member will monitor the situation to determine if individuals are ready to resume the conflict resolution process.

• If/When communication is possible, NDS will be called to begin the mediation process. • Conflicts that can not be resolved through mediation will be reviewed by the Amethyst Board

of Directors based on the information gathered throughout the process. A final Board of

Directors recommendation/resolution will be determined and subsequently communicated to the individual(s) and council member(s) involved.