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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.

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.

Finance Manager - Part time

Finance Manager – Part time

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 the community.
Asking to join SPAN means you are committed to working toward fulfilling this mission.

The Position

The Finance Manager is responsible with the help of the Executive Director for managing SPAN’s day-to-day financial operations while ensuring adherence to GAAP and meeting non-profit compliance requirements. The position creates systems, processes, and policies to ensure staff and management are supported to achieve the goals of the organization.
This part time position begins at 32 hours per week; hours may fluctuate throughout the year and will not be fewer than 20 hours per week.

Compensation

This is a non-exempt, hourly position. The pay range is $33.65-$36.06 an hour, depending on qualifications. 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, non-violence, equity, and inclusion. You have progressive experience in nonprofit financial management. You’ve been at the management level working in nonprofit finances and operations and leadership. You are detail oriented, and you’re organized. You’ve created systems, processes, and policies that ensure compliance with the best financial practices. You’re a collaborator; you work well with internal departments and organizational stakeholders to advance program and agency goals.

A Day in the Life

The Finance Manager will be responsible for daily, weekly, and monthly tasks including:

• Accounts Payable
• Accounts Receivable
• Bank Reconciliation
• General Bookkeeping
• Prepare Board Financial Reports
The Finance Manager is responsible for ensuring all financial transactions are properly recorded in adherence with US GAAP, including reviewing and approving the accounting entries of staff. Coordinates annual financial audit; works with Executive Director and auditor to ensure timely audit and 990 tax form completion. Works closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to develop, implement, and update finance/accounting policies, procedures, and protocols.

Grants Management

The Finance Manager will work closely with program staff and the Executive Director to:
• Prepare grant budgets
• Completes financial grant reporting
• Help ensure timely budget spend down on grant contracts.
• Help inform operational and programmatic staff of all financial requirements, amendments, and monitor compliance.

What You Bring to Us

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or in a related field required, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Master’s degree in business administration,
organization management, or related field preferred. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and/or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation not required, but a plus. Seven years of progressive experience in finance or accounting, and 5 years’ experience serving in a business, finance, or operations role of a nonprofit or community organization or business. Strong knowledge of accounting principles applicable to nonprofit organizations, including GAAP and Federal Funds requirements (2 CFR 200).
Financial planning and analysis experience. You need great computer skills including Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, and Salesforce. You also need to produce and meet deadlines in our fast-paced and changing environment and have proven written and oral communication skills. 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.

Application Process

• Email a resume and cover letter to hr@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.

Shelter Advocate

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 provides crisis intervention, safety planning, trauma-informed 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. This is a weekend and evening position.

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 have 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.
  • You can work weekends and evenings. 40 hours a week in-person.

A Day in the Life

  • Provides crisis intervention, case management, trauma-informed support 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 Meeting.
  • Supports interns and practicum students assigned to the Shelter program.
  • Provides coverage of SPAN’s Shelter 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.

On-Call Shelter Advocate

On-Call Shelter Advocate

 POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Overnight On-Call Shelter Advocate provides overnight coverage on an on-call basis for a confidential, 27-bed emergency shelter for survivors & their children impacted by domestic violence. On-call advocates are contacted to provide shift coverage as needed.

Advocates provide advocacy, support, and crisis intervention for shelter residents and crisis line callers.  The position also helps promote a shelter environment grounded on inclusivity, respect and nonviolence, supports social justice efforts that positively impact survivors and their children, and those traditionally silenced because of their race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or ability level.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

  • Telephone crisis support, screenings for shelter, advocacy, and referrals to crisis line callers.
  • 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 including laundry for room turnovers and emptying trash cans.
  • Participates in On-Call Staff meetings and in supervision with Shelter Program Director
  • Provides SPAN Shelter coverage on an on-call basis. Possible shifts include daytime, evening, weekend, or overnight.
  • 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 non-negotiables.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Director of Shelter and Housing or the Executive Director.

COMPENSATION:

  • $20.00 Hourly. Additional $1.00 per hour for Spanish Bilingual. No Benefits.

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.

TO APPLY:

Send resumé and cover letter to hr@safehousealliance.org or to Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence, 835 North Street, Boulder, CO 80304.

  • Resumé review begins immediately.
  • No calls, please

Overnight On-Call Shelter Advocate

Overnight On-Call Shelter Advocate

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Overnight On-Call Shelter Advocate provides overnight coverage on an on-call basis for a confidential, 27-bed emergency shelter for survivors & their children impacted by domestic violence. On-call advocates are contacted to provide shift coverage as needed. Overnight shifts are typically 8:30pm-8:30am.

Advocates provide advocacy, support, and crisis intervention for shelter residents and crisis line callers. The position also helps promote a shelter environment grounded on inclusivity, respect and nonviolence, supports social justice efforts that positively impact survivors and their children, and those traditionally silenced because of their race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or ability level.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

· Telephone crisis support, screenings for shelter, advocacy, and referrals to crisis line callers.

·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 including laundry for room turnovers and emptying trash cans.

· Participates in On-Call Staff meetings and in supervision with Shelter Program Director

· Provides SPAN Shelter overnight coverage (8:30pm-8:30am) on an on-call basis. Possible weekend and evening shifts as well.

· 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 non-negotiables.

· Other duties as assigned by the Director of Shelter and Housing or the Executive Director.

COMPENSATION:

· $20.00 Hourly. Additional $1.00 per hour for Spanish Bilingual. No Benefits.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Bachelor’s degree or equivalent life/work experience required.

· At least six months of crisis intervention experience (paid or unpaid); Residential experience helpful.

· Experience & knowledge of social justice issues, particularly violence against survivors of domestic violence & their children, and of racial, class and sexual orientation issues.

· Spanish bilingual preferred.

· Time requirement varies – Overnight shifts (8:30pm-8:30am), possible evening shifts (4pm-9pm) or weekend shifts (anytime of day). Flexibility is appreciated.

TO APPLY: Send resumé and cover letter to hr@safehousealliance.org or to Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence, 835 North Street, Boulder, CO 80304.

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!