Our ethics policy

Root & Wisdom, including Root & Wisdom LLC and all affiliated programs or businesses, is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct in all aspects of our work. This Code of Ethics outlines our commitment to providing a safe, respectful, and professional environment for all participants, staff, and affiliated entities. We aim to create a community where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to engage in personal growth and healing.

Overview of Ethical Principles

Our ethical guidelines are rooted in the principles outlined by recognized professional bodies, adapted to meet the unique needs of our community. We are committed to:

1. Beneficence and Nonmaleficence: Promoting the well-being of our participants while avoiding harm. We strive to maximize benefits and minimize risks.
2. Fidelity and Responsibility: We must establish trust with clients and colleagues and take responsibility for our professional actions and obligations.
3. Integrity: Promoting honesty and transparency in all practices, avoiding deception and misrepresentation.
4. Justice: Ensuring fairness and equity, providing services without bias or discrimination.
5. Respect for People’s Rights and Dignity: Upholding the dignity, privacy, and autonomy of individuals, particularly those who may be vulnerable.

Specific Ethical Standards

Root & Wisdom adheres to the following ethical standards to guide our practices:

1. Informed Consent: Participants must provide informed consent for all services, ensuring they understand the nature and implications of the experiences provided.
2. Confidentiality: All personal information shared by participants is confidential and only discussed for legitimate professional purposes or with explicit consent unless mandated by law.
3. Minimizing Intrusions on Privacy: Communications will only contain information necessary to protect participant privacy.
4. Cooperation with Other Professionals: When appropriate, we collaborate with other professionals to enhance participant care, maintaining ethical standards throughout.
5. Handling Ethical Violations: Ethical concerns are addressed promptly and appropriately, with serious violations reported to the appropriate authorities.
6. Recording and Use of Confidential Information: All recordings and the use of confidential information are managed responsibly, strictly for educational or supervisory purposes, with consent.

Code of Conduct for Staff and Guests

Root & Wisdom expects all staff and guests to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct:

1. Zero Tolerance for Sexual Misconduct: Any form of sexual misconduct, harassment, or inappropriate behavior is strictly prohibited. 
2. Commitment to Safety: Root & Wisdom is dedicated to creating a safe environment free from sexual misconduct, harassment, or inappropriate behavior, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of gender, can experience the retreat without fear of harm.
3. Participant Conduct: Guests are expected to respect the privacy, boundaries, and dignity of other participants and staff and refrain from disruptive or inappropriate behavior.

Precise Reporting Mechanism for Guests

If a guest experiences or witnesses any inappropriate behavior, they should report the issue immediately to staff. Additionally, guests should email ethics@rootandwisdom.com to notify the Ethics Committee. The Committee, composed of third-party individuals, will oversee the investigation and resolution of the issue, ensuring the process remains confidential and unbiased.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Root & Wisdom is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that honors the diversity of all participants. We respect differences in gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and abilities and strive to provide equitable and culturally sensitive services.

Emergency Response Protocol and Policy

Root & Wisdom, Root & Wisdom LLC, and all affiliated programs are dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for all guests. This policy outlines our comprehensive approach to handling emergencies, including medical crises. We are committed to full transparency, ethical responsibility, and the highest standards of care.

Step-by-Step Emergency Response Protocol

1. Immediate Assessment:

   – When a guest exhibits signs of distress, illness, or injury, staff will immediately assess the situation to determine the severity and nature of the health concern.

   – Basic first aid will be provided if necessary and will be safe to administer while awaiting further assistance.

2. Call Emergency Services:

   – For any potentially serious health concerns, such as loss of consciousness, severe pain, difficulty breathing, seizures, or any other symptoms that pose a significant health risk, staff will immediately call emergency medical services (EMS).

   – This step ensures the fastest response and access to professional medical care.

3. Engage Medical Professionals:

   If available, On-call medical professionals will be contacted, and their guidance will be followed to stabilize the guest while waiting for EMS.

   – Staff will provide all relevant information to EMS operators and on-site medical personnel to assist in the guest’s care.

4. Notify the Guest’s Emergency Contact:

   – The emergency contact listed in the guest’s medical intake form will be notified immediately after EMS is contacted.

   – Clear and compassionate communication will be provided to the emergency contact, informing them about the situation.

5. Ensure Safe Transfer to Medical Facilities:

   – Upon the arrival of EMS, the guest will be transported to the nearest suitable medical facility for evaluation and treatment.

   – If possible, a staff member will accompany the guest to support and relay essential information to medical professionals.

6. Documentation of Incident:

   Staff involved will complete a detailed incident report documenting the nature of the emergency, the response actions taken, and communications with EMS.

   – This report will be securely stored and made available to medical and legal authorities as needed.

7. Follow-Up Care and Support:

   – Root & Wisdom will maintain contact with the guest and their emergency contact, providing updates and necessary support during their recovery.

   – We will assist the guest’s family, ensuring a compassionate approach.

Creating a Safe and Respectful Environment

Root & Wisdom is dedicated to maintaining a safe and respectful environment free from sexual misconduct, harassment, and inappropriate behavior. Our zero-tolerance policy ensures that:

1. Zero Tolerance for Sexual Misconduct:

   – Any reports of sexual misconduct by staff will result in immediate suspension of the staff member involved pending a formal investigation by the ethics committee.

   – If misconduct is confirmed, the staff member will be terminated.

2. Reporting Process for Guests:

   – Guests can report any issues immediately to any staff member and are encouraged to email ethics@rootandwisdom.com, which directly notifies the third-party ethics committee.

   – The ethics committee, composed of independent individuals, will ensure an anonymous and impartial investigation.

3. Intimacy and Relationships Policy:

   – Staff must immediately report genuine connections with guests to the ethics committee. Before initiating contact, the staff must wait at least 90 days after the guest’s departure date.

   – Any contact within the 90-day window will immediately terminate the staff member.

   – Both the staff member and the guest must submit written documentation stating that their relationship is mutual and that no sexual engagement occurred before, during, or within 90 days post-retreat.

Effective Date: August 29, 2024.

Last Updated: August 29, 2024.