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SERLC Core Values and Defining Principles
Genuine Human Relationships
Individuals in the SERLC community are encouraged to form and develop natural connections with each other, and use these connections in the community as an opportunity to build or strengthen their natural support systems.
The SERLC community will respect the boundaries of each member. Each member of the SERLC community has the right to determine when they are going to be available to the SERLC community, when they do or do not want to be hugged or touched in any way, and what sorts of relationships they wish to engage in with others in the community.
Confidentiality
Individuals within the SERLC Community will respect each other’s privacy. This includes holding confidentiality around information shared within SERLC spaces and supporting one another to define how and when information can be shared in a respectful manner and in a way that builds community.
Self-Determination & Personal Strength
We believe in each individual’s strength and wisdom to make their own choices, express their likes and dislikes, and identify their own needs without the overuse of rules and guidelines to dictate that process.
The SERLC will offer education and information on a variety of perspectives, options, and resources, but SERLC community members will always hold the power to determine their own goals and to define for themselves the meaning of the word “recovery” and "wellness" as it applies to their own lives.
Trauma-informed Healing Environments
The SERLC strives to be trauma-sensitive and to make all spaces welcoming, safe, and accessible, to provide an environment that fosters opportunities for connection.We ask members to avoid the use of scented products as much as possible and to not smell of alcohol, drugs, or other substances or be visibly intoxicated. Alcohol, drugs, or paraphernalia are not allowed to be brought into SERLC spaces or activities.
The SERLC uses non-violent conflict resolution. It is anticipated that any individuals in the SERLC community who have a conflict with one another will address the conflict directly to the relevant individuals whenever possible, without the use of yelling, gossiping or physical aggression, and that individuals in general will be open to talking through conflicts with one another.
Diversity & Inclusion
The SERLC will encourage learning, openness, and conversations about different beliefs and cultures free from microaggressions and stigmas.
RLC members will not discriminate, against, ostracize or put down any individual based on ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, size, body type, emotional state, or any other aspect of their appearance, or religious or political beliefs.
The SERLC will offer a welcoming space for all, provide accessible spaces, and have interpreters and groups for our members that speak languages other than English.
Optimism
Everyone will be welcomed into the SERLC community and treated with the belief that they have the power and ability to achieve their hopes and dreams.
The SERLC community recognizes that we all have our ups and downs, and that there may be moments when people may need more support or need to step away from the community. The community will reach out to these individuals in times of need and always welcome them back with open arms, compassion, empathy, and without judgment.
Respect
Above all else, the SERLC community will treat everyone with dignity, and as a valued individual. We will treat ourselves, each other, and each other’s belongings with respect, compassion, and kindness at all times.
Everyone will be encouraged to use open, person-first, strengths-based language and avoid using one-word or diagnostic labels when referring to others in the recovery community.
Individuals are encouraged to go out of their way whenever possible to thank others for their contributions, including those with whom they might not always get along.
Mutuality
Individuals who come to the SERLC for support will also give support to another at some point, and that each individual will not only approach the SERLC with the attitude of what they can get out of it but also what they can give from a place of their own lived experiences.
The SERLC is a community of people supporting people who have been through similar struggles, all on equal ground. Members will not attempt to act as therapists or clinicians and give advice. We will be active in peer support and the expertise we have about ourselves.
Each of us empowers ourselves to move, question, change, act, and be hopeful. We thereby (intentionally or not) inspire others in our community to do the same.
SERLC Comfort Agreement
To help create a safe and respectful group environment, a comfort agreement is read at the beginning of each meeting. It is a set of guidelines and expectations that are agreed upon by those participating.
A comfort agreement helps to create a safe, trauma-informed, supportive learning environment, a sense of mutuality, and openness to new ways of thinking.
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