We have selected a several key terms to define, based on how we are using them in this guide and their usage in conflict resolution practices.
Governance - The foundational frameworks, practices, policies, agreements, and procedures an organization has established to state its mission and values, guide its operation, make decisions, and provide a basis for stakeholders to understand and participate in the group. This may happen through the development of bylaws, oversight by a board, formulating guidelines and promulgating policies, and other such methods. Organizational leadership is empowered through the design of and responsible for the implementation of directives developed through governance procedures.
Policy - The rules, guidelines, and official positions that have been agreed upon and are upheld by an organization. In this assessment, we are focused on policies relating to community safety, such as codes of conduct, safe space, anti-harassment and anti-discrimination.
Code of conduct - A statement outlining expectations of the behavior an organization expects of its members, participants in programming, and anyone else interacting with people under its auspices. This includes descriptions of unacceptable behaviors. The statement also includes information on how the policy is enforced, how to report incidents, and resources for community members on how to respond to reports. Conferences and other public gatherings hosted by an organization use a code of conduct to ensure all participants understand the expectations of attendees.
https://www.ashedryden.com/blog/codes-of-conduct-101-faq
Safe space is a term used to connote an environment where the physical and psychological safety of those present is protected. Organizations often set out to define what they consider safety in safe space policies, which might include environments where participants can flourish and feel freedom to express themselves and explore different forms of expression and learning/curiosity without being imposed upon or imposing on others.
https://alternativebreaks.org/safe-or-brave-spaces/
Grievance report - A complaint made by a person to a group or organization regarding an occurrence that violates the policies of the organization, or of an incident that may not be covered by the organization’s policies but that the person feels needs to be, and can be, addressed within the organization. This depends on a process that can be accessed by people engaged with the organization, and communication and transparency about how that happens.
Trauma-informed means an orientation to care and communication that is aimed at avoiding re-traumatization. It emphasizes accounting for “individual, historical, racial, and systemic trauma” in order to create a space for people in the organization that provides psychological safety and opportunities for repair and improvement in relations.
What is Trauma-Informed Care? - University at Buffalo School of Social Work
Facilitators support groups of people working in communication and collaborative decision making-processes by providing structure and a more neutral presence during meetings. In this context, this is the person who guides the organization through the steps of the process of the assessment.
https://adrtimes.com/definition-of-facilitator/
Mediation - When conflict resolution efforts between two parties are at an impasse, a third party (a “mediator”) may be brought in to assist in working towards resolution. This person may be from within a given community, if they are sufficiently uninvolved in the conflict, or can come from outside the organization. There are trained professionals who offer this service. A key aspect of the mediator’s role is that they are trusted by both parties, and that they accept the mediator as someone who will be putting their best effort into fairly moving things forward. A mediator does not render judgment or assign blame; their role in the process is to aid communication, facilitate meetings, and ensure that there is clarity, fairness, and that participants' needs are heard and addressed.
Kenneth Kressel (2006), “Mediation Revisited.” in The Handbook of Conflict Resolution, edited by Deutsch et al. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Codes of conduct enforcement
Valerie Aurora and Mary Gardiner. (2019). How to Respond to Code of Conduct Reports (Ed. Annalee Flower Horne), Frame Shift Consulting, LLC.
Communication tactics and practices
Rosenberg, M. B. (2002). Nonviolent communication: A language of compassion. Encinitas, CA: Puddledancer press. https://www.nonviolentcommunication.com/product/nvc/
Well-being
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Mandatory reporting
There are existing forms of state-supported care and community work to build and improve laws on legal obligations and the mandatory reporting of child abuse, intimate partner violence, elder abuse, and dependent adult/adults with disabilities abuse.
Relevant laws are published on state government websites.
The National Association of Mandated Reporters also publishes resources on mandatory reporting: https://mandatedreporter.com/blog/what-are-the-types-of-mandated-reporters/