Policies & Best Practices
The Surrogate Partner Collective provides community, opportunities for networking and connection, education, advocacy, and outreach. Some topics covered may be uncomfortable, either in unfamiliarity or in scope. Should you become uncomfortable with a topic, you are encouraged to take care of your needs and the needs of the community by first being inquisitive, noting your own discomfort in a non-judgmental way and, if needed, secondly by removing yourself from the conversation in a respectful way. If any ways your conduct in the Surrogate Partner Collective results in an environment that others experience as unsafe or disrespectful, we will:
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Ask to discuss the conduct with you to see if a safe, respectful environment can be restored.
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Should that fail, or if you refuse to have the discussion, the permission for you to participate in SPC events and forums will be removed.
We are trying to create a collaborative, inclusive, and generative culture. To that end, the SPC Collective agreements include:
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Be respectful and professional at all times. Treat everyone with dignity. Listen for good intent.
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Respect Confidentiality. Conceal information that could be used to identify others. Unless you have explicit permission to do so, do not share information shared here in other contexts.
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Consider the impacts of your actions (not just the intentions).
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Do your best to be aware of how your own identity, background, and training inform your perspectives.
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Approach conflict with curiosity so as to embrace its generative potential.
These agreements will be especially important during our live classes and events, but are relevant in our site forum, while networking, and at other points in your interaction with the Surrogate Partner Collective. Please feel free to reach out with any questions about these agreements, by emailing info@surrogatepartnercollective.org.
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Grievance Policy
The Surrogate Partner Collective intends to provide spaces where people from marginalized and oppressed identities can feel safe, welcomed, and at home. While we do everything we can to ensure a respectful, cooperative environment with open communication, there are times when a complaint or concern may need to be addressed. If you ever have an interaction in the SPC where you feel disrespected or encounter discriminatory or prejudiced attitudes, we would be grateful if you could contact us about it. You may contact either Carlene, Eileen, or Andrew individually, or you may also offer feedback anonymously.
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