Non-Violence Code

Because

--We strive to create a community that is safe for all people to live free from violence or the threat of violence;

--We believe that all people everywhere deserve to be safe from violence, and we recognize that we have the opportunity to live and model a vision for a more peaceful world;

--We understand violence, as defined by Gandhi, as â?œAny attempt to impose ones will on another. Because we believe that violence is a conscious or unconscious tactic of control, it is counter to our intentions of cooperative living;

--We believe physical and emotional safety is essential in order for individuals to grow, take risks, and fully develop their personal gifts and passions;

--We believe that freedom from violence and coercion promotes understanding, trust, and compassion between individuals;

 --We believe that whatever a personâ?™s emotional or subjective experience may be, individuals are responsible for their behavior and are capable of behaving in non-violent and non-controlling ways;

--We believe that regardless of differences in philosophical, psychological or spiritual beliefs, we must adopt universal behavioral standards regarding nonviolence.
Therefore, we expect all members and residents, including adults and children, to adhere to a code of nonviolence. This code includes, but is not limited to, the following behaviors: 
            --No physical violence, such as hitting, against another person; 
            --No use of intimidation such as screaming or destruction of physical property;
            --No name-calling or insults;

--No threat of violence to another person or to self;

--No use of manipulation or coercion including the use of other threats;

--Any adult has the right to leave a situation or ask another person to leave his/her home immediately.

We believe we must be mindful of the impact our anger has on others. Clear and calm communication will reduce the likelihood of a threatening or violent encounter.

Because we strongly believe in the need to maintain safety and non-violence in our community, any individual who feels that there has been a violation of this behavioral code has the right to call a community-wide meeting to address the violation.  Because episodes of violence impact all of us, even if we are not the direct victims, any individual concerned about a violation may request a community meeting to discuss the problem. The community or an individual may ask for help from an outside facilitator or mediator.

The community will decide, through consensual process, about how to intervene. Any individual who violates the behavioral code of non-violence, and shows no intention or capacity to modify his/her behavior may be subject to sanctions or expulsion from the community.