Sacred Community Pledge

"We commit to honoring each other's spiritual journey with respect, compassion, and integrity, creating a safe space for growth and awakening."

Table of Contents

1. Purpose

This Code of Conduct establishes the ethical standards and behavioral expectations for all members of the UOOLS community, including students, teachers, staff, and visitors. Our goal is to create a sacred, safe, and supportive environment for spiritual growth and learning.

1.1 Why We Have a Code of Conduct

Spiritual work requires vulnerability, trust, and respect. This code ensures that:

  • All members feel safe and respected
  • Spiritual practices are conducted ethically
  • Community interactions remain compassionate
  • Personal boundaries are honored
  • Confidential information is protected

2. Core Principles

Our community is built upon these foundational principles:

Respect

Honor all paths and perspectives with dignity and consideration.

Compassion

Approach others with kindness, empathy, and understanding.

Integrity

Act with honesty, transparency, and ethical consistency.

Inclusivity

Welcome all seekers regardless of background or belief system.

Non-Harm

Avoid causing physical, emotional, or spiritual harm to others.

Growth Mindset

Embrace learning, feedback, and personal development.

3. Respect & Compassion

Honor Diversity

Respect all spiritual paths, cultural backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities, and belief systems.

Practice Active Listening

Listen to understand, not just to respond. Give others space to share their experiences.

Avoid Judgment

Refrain from criticizing or judging others' spiritual experiences or practices.

Use Inclusive Language

Choose words that include rather than exclude, and avoid assumptions about others.

Prohibited Behaviors

Harassment, bullying, discrimination, hate speech, personal attacks, and disrespectful behavior are strictly prohibited and will result in immediate action.

4. Communication Guidelines

4.1 Community Forums & Discussions

  • Stay on topic in discussion threads
  • Share from personal experience using "I" statements
  • Avoid giving unsolicited advice
  • Be mindful of posting frequency
  • Use appropriate content warnings when discussing sensitive topics

4.2 Private Messages

  • Respect others' boundaries regarding private communication
  • Do not send unsolicited messages of a personal nature
  • Report any inappropriate private messages to moderators
  • Honor requests to cease communication

4.3 Feedback & Criticism

When offering feedback:

  • Focus on behaviors, not persons
  • Be constructive and specific
  • Offer suggestions for improvement
  • Deliver feedback privately when appropriate

5. Spiritual Ethics

5.1 Energy Work Ethics

  • Never perform energy work on others without explicit consent
  • Respect others' energetic boundaries
  • Do not make claims about healing abilities or outcomes
  • Always recommend professional medical care for health issues

5.2 Channeling & Mediumship

  • Clearly distinguish between channeled messages and personal opinions
  • Do not claim special authority or exclusive access to truth
  • Respect others' right to reject channeled information
  • Avoid fear-based or manipulative messaging

5.3 Teaching & Guidance

  • Share teachings with humility and openness
  • Acknowledge the sources of teachings when known
  • Do not present personal opinions as universal truths
  • Encourage critical thinking and personal discernment

6. Confidentiality

6.1 Personal Sharing

When others share personal or sensitive information:

  • Do not share their stories without explicit permission
  • Respect requests for anonymity
  • Avoid identifying details when discussing others' experiences
  • Assume all sharing in sacred circles is confidential

6.2 Sacred Space

What is shared in sacred spaces (circles, ceremonies, private sessions) should remain within those spaces unless explicit permission is given to share.

Confidentiality Exceptions

We are required to break confidentiality in cases of immediate danger to self or others, child abuse, or elder abuse. In such cases, appropriate authorities will be contacted.

7. Safety & Boundaries

7.1 Personal Boundaries

  • Respect others' physical, emotional, and energetic boundaries
  • Ask for consent before touching, hugging, or engaging in energy work
  • Honor "no" immediately and without question
  • Respect requests for space or solitude

7.2 Emotional Safety

  • Be aware of the emotional impact of your words and actions
  • Provide content warnings for potentially triggering material
  • Allow others to opt out of discussions or activities
  • Create space for emotional processing

7.3 Self-Care Responsibility

Each member is responsible for:

  • Setting and communicating their own boundaries
  • Taking breaks when needed
  • Seeking support when overwhelmed
  • Knowing their limits in spiritual work

8. Professional Boundaries

8.1 Teacher-Student Relationships

  • Teachers maintain appropriate professional boundaries with students
  • Romantic or sexual relationships between teachers and current students are prohibited
  • Financial arrangements should be transparent and ethical
  • Teachers do not provide medical or psychological services

8.2 Peer Relationships

  • Respect the student-teacher dynamic even in peer interactions
  • Avoid creating dependency relationships
  • Encourage others to develop their own spiritual authority
  • Do not take financial advantage of fellow students

9. Conflict Resolution

9.1 Addressing Concerns

If you have a concern with another community member:

  • First, address it directly and respectfully with the person involved
  • Use "I" statements to express your feelings
  • Focus on specific behaviors rather than character judgments
  • Be open to hearing their perspective

9.2 Mediation Process

If direct resolution is not possible:

  • Contact a community moderator or teacher
  • Provide specific details about the concern
  • Be open to mediation
  • Participate in resolution processes in good faith

9.3 Restorative Approach

We prefer restorative approaches that:

  • Focus on healing and understanding
  • Acknowledge impact and take responsibility
  • Create opportunities for learning and growth
  • Repair harm and restore relationships when possible

10. Violations & Reporting

Reporting Violations

If you experience or witness a violation of this Code of Conduct, please report it immediately to conduct@uools.org. All reports will be handled with confidentiality and care.

10.1 Response Process

When a violation is reported:

  • The report is reviewed by the Conduct Committee
  • All parties are given opportunity to share their perspective
  • Appropriate action is determined based on the severity
  • Outcomes are communicated to involved parties

10.2 Possible Actions

Depending on the violation, actions may include:

  • Warning and education
  • Temporary suspension from community features
  • Required mediation or restorative process
  • Permanent removal from the community
  • Legal action for severe violations

11. Agreement

Commitment to Our Community

By participating in the UOOLS community, you agree to abide by this Code of Conduct. This code applies to all community spaces, both online and in-person, as well as in all communications related to community business.

I commit to creating a respectful, compassionate, and safe spiritual community.

11.1 Updates to Code

This Code of Conduct may be updated periodically. Continued participation in the community constitutes acceptance of the current code.

11.2 Questions & Clarifications

If you have questions about this Code of Conduct or need clarification on any point, please contact conduct@uools.org.