We recognize the wisdom inherent in the cyclical turn of seasons – hibernations and migrations, periods of wild abundance and of decomposition, moments to attune to transition. To adapt to these rhythms as a collective, and as a practice of radical care for one another, the Law Center shall schedule four quarterly weeks of rest each year. At the beginning of each year, the Internal Resilience Circle will designate four weeks throughout the year as either “no work” or “no comms” weeks by taking into consideration factors such as natural rhythms in the land, major yearly projects or deadlines, other all-staff strategy/internal resilience events, and more. These seasonal weeks of collective rest are in addition to our Free Time Off, Unresponsive Remote Work, and other policies designed to support staff in meeting their needs for work, play, and rest.   

“No work” weeks are intended as full vacations for all staff. “No comms” weeks have the following meaning: 

What "No comms" means:

• Limited internal communication: There shall be no expectation that staff respond to any internal messages from coworkers via email or Slack, except where there has been a prior agreement between staff. In the event of extremely time-sensitive or urgent issues, please use phones to contact other staff;

• Limited external communication: All staff shall set a consistent email away message letting others know that our office is closed for this collective rest period. One staff member will still check communications@theselc.org for urgent/time sensitive requests and respond appropriately;

• Use of “no comms” period: This time is designed to support focused work, reflection, and/or planning without the normal interruptions of meetings, emails, and internal communications. People can choose individually what to do with that time, and there should be no expectation that others will be responsive. If people choose not to work during this time, staff shall still follow the normal process for requesting and logging time off (see Time Off Policy).