Skip to main content

Job Opportunities

Current Available Positions

Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence (SPAN) is seeking dynamic team members to work closely with 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.

Bilingual Shelter Manager

THE POSITION:

The Bilingual Shelter Manager provides leadership and oversight for shelter operations, staff, volunteers, and interns, ensuring high-quality, trauma-informed services for survivors. This role balances direct service as needed with operational management and collaboration to create a shelter environment based on respect, inclusivity and nonviolence. The Shelter Manager oversees the equitable distribution of shelter team member assignments and is responsible for the implementation of processes aligned with program and organizational goals. This position maintains community partnerships central to Shelter and Housing programs and supports social justice efforts that positively impact survivors and their children. The Shelter Manager serves as an at-will staff member of Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence (SPAN).

SCHEDULE AVAILABILITY:

Shelter shifts may include days, evenings or weekends, with occasional holiday coverage. The Shelter Manager is expected to primarily work evening and weekend hours (with some daytime hours) in order to meet programmatic needs and provide support to the Shelter Team.

COMPENSATION:

This is an exempt, salaried position. The salary is $60,000 to $65,000 annually, depending on your qualifications. Compensation also includes our standard benefit package, including a medical plan, dental plan, generous vacation, sick leave, and 10 paid holidays. Reduced rate Eco-Pass, Simple IRA retirement plan with 2% agency contribution, and Employee Assistance Program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Shelter Management

  • Foster trauma-informed, strengths-based services with clients and ensure discussions regarding clients are reflective of these values.
  • Ensure safety of clients, staff, and volunteers by consistently monitoring program standards, protocols and operating procedures. Ensure compliance with program and organizational policies and practices.
  • Manage scheduling to ensure appropriate 24/7 coverage at Shelter.
  • Provide leadership for high-risk cases and shelter emergencies. Participate in on-call rotation with the Director of Shelter & Housing (every other week or as needed).
  • Support Director of Shelter & Housing in overseeing shelter operations including supplies, facility maintenance, and emergency preparedness.
  • Ensure timely and accurate reporting for grants, compliance, and internal program evaluation.
  • Promote ethical communication in the Shelter environment.
  • On-site support of Shelter & Housing team members; supervisory responsibilities for volunteers and interns.
  • Budgetary/Fiscal Responsibilities: Acts as a good steward of SPAN’s resources.
  • Responsibility for Confidentiality: The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of SPAN and its clients.

Team Member Coordination

  • Oversee and continually improve processes for client intake, screening, exit, documentation, and evaluation.
  • Designate regular tasks to Shelter team members, including screening schedules, hotel visits, client advocacy, room turnover, and other responsibilities. Provide direct services as needed.
  • In coordination with Director of Shelter & Housing, provide feedback and support to team members that improves service delivery, supports organizational objectives, and fosters team member growth and goals.
  • Oversee a high-functioning volunteer team with the goal of meeting client and programmatic needs, retaining volunteers, and increasing the overall capacity of the Shelter team.
  • Ensure shelter spaces remain clean and trauma-informed. Designate cleaning and organizing responsibilities to team members. Support with activities such as room turnover as needed.
  • Lead onboarding and training of staff, interns, and volunteers, ensuring they are able to deliver high-quality, trauma-informed services.
  • Partner with the Crisis Intervention Team to ensure crisis line coverage; designate and provide backup support as needed.
  • Provide additional support as designated by the Program, Executive, or Associate Directors to further departmental and organizational goals. Lead team meetings in the absence of the Director of Shelter & Housing.

Collaboration:

  • Represent SPAN at community meetings related to the Shelter & Housing Program.
  • Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations, with particular focus on marginalized populations.
  • Focus on violence prevention and interrupting cycles of violence by maintaining child, youth, and family programming at Shelter in partnership with other departmental staff.
  • This position will interact with staff members across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations and the public.

SPAN retains the right to add or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time.

WHAT YOU BRING TO US

Education:  Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (human services, counseling, social work or gender studies), knowledge in a related field, or a combination of education and/or experience.

Experience:  Two years of progressive experience working in a shelter or crisis response environment in addition to supporting trauma survivors and marginalized individuals.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Proven written and oral communication skills. Proven computer skills including Microsoft Office are necessary. Experience with Salesforce or other databases preferred.

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, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize work and tasks. Requires adaptability to produce and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-task and changing environment, with frequent pressure related to meeting deadlines and scheduling requirements.  Must be able to work independently and as part of a team. Must have good negotiation skills and the ability to handle sensitive information with diplomacy.

Licences/Certifications: None.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made when requested to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to communicate and understand in English and Spanish effectively, in person, and in writing. Ability to hear 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), and occasional sitting and/or standing for long periods of time.

Mobility necessary to access various offices and a wide variety of settings. Mobility necessary to perform a variety of tasks that involve intermittent standing, walking/traversing, sitting, stooping, kneeling, bending, and twisting, occasionally climbing stairs or using an elevator, and possibly reaching chest high and overhead for materials.

Ability to reach for, move and/or lift up to 20 pounds and the use of hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, including frequent repetitive movement such as extended periods of keyboarding and filing.

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.

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.

Child, Youth, and Family Advocate/Counselor

THE POSITION:

The Child, Youth, and Family Advocate/Counselor works for the benefit of children, youth, and families impacted by domestic violence (DV) and intimate partner violence (IPV). The Child, Youth, and Family Advocate/Counselor provides crisis intervention, information and referrals, and individual and group counseling. The Child, Youth, and family Advocate/Counselor plans and implements the delivery of child and youth intervention and prevention services engaging community partners, expanding resource development, providing trainings and workshops and assisting in the supervision of interns and volunteers.

SCHEDULE AVAILABILITY:

Days with occasional extended workdays, including evenings.

COMPENSATION:

This is a nonexempt, salaried position. The salary range is $53,500 – $57,000 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, retirement plan, holiday pay and paid time off, reduced rate Eco-Pass, and Employee Assistance Program.

ABOUT YOU

  • You are all about community outreach, innovative approach to children, youth, and families and collaboration.
  • You are passionate about working with children, youth, and their families assisting the trajectory shift of generational trauma; you enjoy coaching and supporting parents.
  • You are comfortable collaborating with SPAN’s direct service programs (Shelter, Housing, Advocacy/Education) to provide coaching and support to staff members and interns on Child & Youth Program related issues.
  • You organize trainings on child, youth, and family related topics for diverse community organizations, staff members, interns, externs, and volunteers.
  • You can communicate with a variety of audiences from diverse backgrounds, particularly organizations working with marginalized or under-resourced families
  • It is important for you to work to ensure the voices of children and youth are included.
  • You are likely excited about collecting clinical data, research and promoting prevention and changes.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

  • Providing individual and/or group counseling sessions to children and youth.
  • Communicate with a variety of agencies, enjoy sharing information of SPAN Child/ Youth Programs.
  • Collaborate and support SPAN programs such as Let’s Connect and Family First Prevention.
  • Collaborate and support Child & Youth Programs throughout SPAN Counseling, Shelter, Housing, Advocacy, & Education departments, including direct services, prevention initiatives, curriculum development, and community outreach and collaboration.
  • Coordinates with SPAN departments on training and supervision of volunteers regarding the Child & Youth Program.
  • Ensure services and resources are available in Spanish and English and are culturally relevant addressing barriers to service engagement and retention.
  • Organize Child, Youth & Family Program special events, summer programs, and school-based activities.
  • Ensures rapid responses to child & youth referrals and manages child & youth counseling wait list.
  • Recruits and manages Child & Youth Program volunteers; manage Child/Youth related in-kind donation.
  • Participates in meetings with the SPAN internal and community meetings.
  • Manages and enters clients, event, and community contacts data.
  • Provides other assistance, as designated by the Counseling Program Director and the Executive Director, to support the overall goals of the department and organization.

WHAT YOU BRING TO US

  • A 4-year degree in counseling, or a related field, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
  • Experience working with Intimate Partner Violence, and domestic violence is strongly preferred.
  • Strong working knowledge and/or experience with trauma-informed, strength-based, and client-centered practices; resources available to survivors of violence; positive youth development preferred.
  • Excellent planning, organizational, and clinical/intervention skills. Experience with the dynamics of intimate partner violence, domestic violence, trauma-informed service delivery, and resources available to survivors of violence is preferred.
  • Working knowledge in community engagement and collaboration.
  • Excellent organizational skills, problem solving, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize work and tasks.
  • Working knowledge or experience working from a social justice perspective, particularly gender violence and intersectionality of racism, classism, LGBTQ issues, and other forms of oppression.
  • Requires adaptability to produce and meet deadlines in a fast paced, multi-task and changing environment, with frequent pressure related to meeting deadlines and scheduling requirements.
  • Must be able to work independently and as part of a team. Must have good negotiation skills and the ability to handle sensitive information with diplomacy.
  • The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of SPAN and its clients.
  • Valid Colorado driver’s license with clean driving record required and access to reliable transportation with Colorado mandated insurance preferred.
  • If you’ve made it to this bullet, you can guess you need great computer skills including Microsoft Office and virtual meeting platforms. You also have adaptability to produce and meet deadlines in a fast paced, multi-task and changing environment, with frequent pressure related to meeting deadlines and scheduling requirements.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • You need to be able to sit or stand for long periods each day. While not frequent, you need to reach for, and/or move 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 make 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.

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.

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.

Part Time Shelter Advocate

THE POSITION:

The Part Time Shelter Advocate delivers trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and client-directed crisis intervention, safety planning, case management, and advocacy with survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence at SPAN’s residential shelter. This role focuses on increasing survivor stability by addressing barriers to resources and promoting long-term safety and self-sufficiency. The Part Time Shelter Advocate maintains community resources, supports crisis line operations, fosters a respectful, nonviolent shelter environment, and advances social justice initiatives that benefit survivors and their children. The Part Time Shelter Advocate serves as an at-will staff member of Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence (SPAN).

SCHEDULE AVAILABILITY:

Shelter shifts may include days, evenings or weekends, with occasional holiday coverage.

COMPENSATION:

This is an Hourly position. The hourly range is $20 to $22, depending on experience. Compensation also includes holiday pay and reduced rate of paid time off, 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 an 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

Advocacy

  • Support individuals experiencing domestic or intimate partner violence, abuse in later life, human trafficking, or other forms of abuse residing in SPAN’s residential shelter.
  • Provide services reflecting SPAN’s commitment to being trauma-informed, culturally responsive, client-directed, and strengths-based.
  • Provide comprehensive safety planning and crisis intervention to promote safety and stability.
  • Deliver case management and ongoing advocacy based on client goals and assessments.
  • Provide resources and assist with addressing barriers regarding employment, housing, health, family, pet, legal, and other needs. Make warm referrals as necessary.
  • Maintain up to date community resource information.

Shelter and Crisis Line Operations

  • Facilitate regular house meetings with residents to review expectations, provide critical updates, and support the communal living environment.
  • Assist with coverage of 24/7 crisis and information hotline.
  • Conduct shelter screenings and intakes.
  • Assist Shelter Manager and Director of Shelter & Housing with training and onboarding of residential staff, interns, and volunteers. Oversee volunteer activities within the Shelter.
  • Promote a Shelter environment based on respect, inclusivity and nonviolence.
  • Maintain the facility by cleaning, organizing, taking out trash, and completing room turnovers.

Collaboration

  • Participate in outreach and training efforts to increase awareness of dynamics of violence and address barriers to accessing crisis intervention services.
  • Represent the organization and department at community meetings. Build new and manage existing relationships with community partners.
  • Collaborate with internal departments to streamline access to programming.

Other Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Provide regular program reports, data, and statistics.
  • Maintain accurate documentation of services and client case records.
  • Participate in regular staff and departmental meetings.
  • Other assistance, as designated by the Shelter & Housing, Associate, or Executive Directors, to further departmental and organizational goals.

SPAN retains the right to add or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Budgetary/Fiscal Responsibilities: Acts as a good steward of SPAN’s resources.

Responsibility for Confidentiality: The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of SPAN and its clients.

Contact with Others: This position will interact with staff members across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations and the public.

WHAT YOU BRING TO US

Education: A 4-year degree in counseling, social work or gender studies, knowledge in a related field, or a combination of education and experience.

Experience: One year of progressive experience in crisis intervention or survivor advocacy. It will also help you to have experience working in shelter settings.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Requires strong working knowledge of the dynamics of intimate partner violence (IPV) and trauma-informed, survivor-centered service delivery. Knowledge of or experience working with issues at the intersections of IPV, race, class, gender, ability, and sexual orientation strongly preferred.
  • Requires excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize work and tasks.
  • Proven computer skills, including MS Office, are necessary. Salesforce or other database experience preferred. Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Proven written and oral communication skills in Spanish are preferred

Licences/Certifications: None.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made when requested to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to communicate and understand in English and Spanish effectively, in person, and in writing. Ability to hear 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), and occasional sitting and/or standing for long periods of time.

Mobility is necessary to access various offices and a wide variety of settings. Mobility is necessary to perform a variety of tasks that involve intermittent standing, walking/traversing, sitting, stooping, kneeling, bending, and twisting, occasionally climbing stairs or using an elevator, and possibly reaching chest high and overhead for materials.

Ability to reach for, move and/or lift up to 20 pounds and the use of hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, including frequent repetitive movement such as extended periods of keyboarding and filing.

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.

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

Position Overview

The On-Call Shelter Advocate provides coverage on an on-call basis for a confidential, 27-bed emergency shelter for survivors & their children impacted by domestic violence. Advocates provide advocacy, support, and crisis intervention for shelter residents and crisis line callers. The position helps promote a shelter environment grounded in inclusivity, respect and nonviolence. On-call advocates are contacted to provide shift coverage as needed. Possible shifts include daytime or evening (4-8 hours) or overnight (12 hours). Shift coverage may be during weekdays or on weekends. Time requirement varies; flexibility is appreciated.

Responsibilities include
  • Crisis intervention, advocacy, and support to shelter residents and crisis line callers.
  • Provides trauma-informed, client-directed, culturally responsive advocacy and safety planning in person and over the phone with clients at high risk of lethality or serious harm.
  • Assures integrity of shelter security, residents’ safety and overall shelter well-being.
  • Supports advocates with client follow-up, case management, and recordkeeping.
  • Responsible for appearance and cleanliness of the shelter (for example, laundry, trash), and replenishment of food and supplies.
  • Helps build excellent relationships with community partners such as law enforcement and other agencies who make referrals to SPAN.
  • Supports an organizational environment based on respect, the utilization of ethical communication, and adherence to the organization’s non-negotiables.
  • Participates in On-Call Staff meetings and in supervision with Director of Shelter and Housing Programs.
  • Maintains case files, records and time sheets.
Compensation

$20.00 Hourly.
Additional $1.00 per hour for Spanish Bilingual proficiency.
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.
  • Spanish bilingual preferred.
To Apply

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

SPAN is looking for passionate, dedicated employees to work in our Emergency Shelter and Outreach Offices.

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.

Guidelines for Board, Staff, Interns & Volunteers

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!

SPAN's Core Values

SPAN is based out of Boulder, Colorado, on land known to the Arapaho as “where it is steep”, and as part of Turtle Island, a name given to North America by many Native peoples. The Hinóno’éí (Arapaho), Tsistsistas (Cheyenne), Diné (Navajo), and Nuciu (Ute) are among the many tribes that are connected to this land. The history and traditions prior to colonization is beautiful and complex, and we honor their teachings and ongoing connection to this land as an essential part of SPAN’s Core Values. According to Diné teachings, “healing is achieved through the process of strengthening our ties to the land, practicing our Native cultures and languages, and treating one another with respect. We believe these values are mutually self-reinforcing by nature.” (https://utahdinebikeyah.org/)

We recognize everyone comes to SPAN with their own unique experiences, and it is not expected that everyone will know the concepts and terms in this document. It is expected that everyone engaged with SPAN remain committed to conversation, asking questions, making mistakes and being part of a collective dedicated to ongoing learning and growth.

SPAN acknowledges that violence is rooted in a history of exploitation via colonization. Interpersonal violence/domestic violence (IPV/DV) takes place within and alongside oppressive institutions and ideologies devised to maintain power and control over historically marginalized individuals and communities. Our work preventing violence and supporting those who go through IPV/DV acknowledges the unique experiences survivors have as it relates to their identities, for both the strengths and challenges they offer.

For SPAN to provide accessible services and foster healthy community connections, we recognize the need to continuously work on centering the knowledge and experiences of Queer and Trans, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (QTBIPOC). This requires intentional grassroots efforts to dismantle and disrupt the burdens and stressors created by white supremacy to the lives of all survivors. Examples of this includes accessing justice within and outside the U.S. legal system; having access to safe and affordable housing; making a living wage; bringing greater awareness via education, outreach, and fundraising efforts; and promoting holistic post-traumatic growth that honors and respects survivors’ wisdom and lived experiences.

The work of community building, transformative justice, and anti-violence organizing has been taking place across many cultures and generations. Inspiration for SPAN’s Core Values includes but is not limited to: the US Civil Rights Movement, the Delano grape strike organized by Filipino-American and Mexican-American farmworkers, indigenous environmental activism of Latin America, the Hong Kong pro-democracy movement, liberation theology as taught by leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr. and Óscar Romero, the Essie Justice Project, and individuals such as Prentis Hemphill, Grace Lee Boggs, Mariame Kaba, Paulo Freire, bell hooks, Audre Lorde, Berta Cáceres, Betita Martínez, SPAN community members, among countless others.

These Core Values were created to guide and sustain working relationships within the SPAN community, which is made up of clients, staff, interns, volunteers, board members, and collaborative partners. We value the knowledge that comes from the lived experiences of individuals accessing services and providing support at SPAN. As noted by the Essie Justice Project, wisdom exists at the intersections of compounded pressure.

We are intentional in efforts to understand what it means to re-Indigenize and decolonize our work and interactions with one another to create and sustain connection and joy. This is in addition to the responsibility of disrupting and resisting the oppressive systems that SPAN community members interact with. This includes but is not limited to white supremacy, cissexism, patriarchy, heteronormativity, ableism, classism, and oppression based on perceived country of origin and/or religion.

Social location does not predetermine experience. It does, however, guide SPAN’s efforts to consider the strengths of an individual and community, as well as oppressive barriers they may face. Through all our programs (Education, Legal Advocacy, Counseling, Shelter, Housing & Economic Justice, Development, Human Resources & Administration) we strive to be:

  • Survivor and Youth Directed: Providing voluntary services, meeting people where they are at and having their wishes guide advocacy & education efforts.
  • Trauma-Informed: Recognizing the toll of daily lived experiences of oppression and the complex trauma survivors of DV/IPV experience. Emphasizing humility, compassion, and empathy to foster post-traumatic growth within individuals and in community.
  • Strengths-Based: Appreciating the resiliency, self-advocacy efforts, and tools people acquire to support their survival and self-defined success. Building upon unique strengths instead of assimilating to a one-size-fits-all approach to advocacy or education.

SPAN’s Core Values were written to guide communication and action in all settings at SPAN in order to build a strong community. These values are integral in disrupting abuses of power. We are in an ongoing process of creating and implementing community-based practices that provide opportunities for non-punitive collective repair, healing, understanding, respect, and sustenance, all of which require:

Accountability: Acknowledging harm as well as creating an environment where accountability is modeled and expected. It
requires effort to not only understand power and privilege but to step into or relinquish power based on identities.

Receptivity: Providing feedback (especially when harm has occurred) takes emotional labor on the part of the person who has been harmed. Receptivity is a willingness to hear and receive feedback, with acknowledgement of the labor that went into it, and a clear effort to change oppressive behavior.

Transparency: Transparency around decisions impacting this community help cultivate a sense of trust and build collective accountability

Vulnerability: Care of this community requires each person to show up authentically and ensure historically marginalized individuals and communities are not solely carrying the burden of truth telling. “Mistakes” are expected and necessary to illuminate opportunities for changed behavior.

Acknowledgement
This was written by a group of staff and interns at SPAN and was most recently updated on January 5, 2021, during a Transformative Justice group that has been meeting weekly following the police killing of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. This group began by contemplating the role SPAN, as a nonviolence organization, could play in reimagining how to build peaceful communities not dependent on state violence. Our conversations turned quickly inward in recognition of a need to look at SPAN’s own internal values, processes, and commitment to collective repair. The Black Lives Matter amplification and challenges of a global pandemic were the backdrop to this iteration of SPAN’s Core Values, which we
acknowledge will continue to evolve