AFTA Code of Conduct 

Introduction and Purpose

The AFTA Code of Conduct is designed to support the organization's mission of fostering an inclusive, equitable, and respectful environment for all stakeholders. This Code establishes behavioral expectations for all members of the AFTA community, including staff, collaborators, volunteers, and visitors, and underscores AFTA's commitment to systemic change, social responsibility, and justice.

AFTA is dedicated to creating a space where all individuals feel safe, valued, and empowered. This Code of Conduct is an essential component of that commitment, providing guidelines to help prevent harm, resolve conflicts, and promote mutual respect. Through this Code, AFTA strives to uphold principles that align with abolitionist and social constructionist values, focusing on transformative approaches to accountability and repair rather than punitive measures.

Core Values and Principles

AFTA's core values form the foundation of this Code of Conduct, guiding behavior, communication, and decision-making across the organization. These values are not merely aspirational; they are integral to AFTA's operations and influence our daily interactions. By upholding these principles, we aim to foster an environment where everyone can thrive.

These values include:

Relational Integrity and Collaboration: We prioritize relationships built on trust, respect, and open communication. We believe in the power of working together and value the contributions that each individual brings to our collective efforts.

Equity: We actively work to eliminate barriers and ensure that all members of our community have fair access to opportunities and resources. Equity at AFTA means addressing power imbalances and recognizing systemic inequalities.

Anti-Oppression: We actively oppose discrimination, bias, and oppression in all its forms, striving to create a community that is inclusive and just.

Respect and Compassion: We commit to treating everyone with dignity and honoring diverse perspectives, experiences, and identities, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. We approach all interactions with empathy and kindness, recognizing the unique experiences of each member.

Accountability: We recognize the importance of taking responsibility for our actions and are committed to transparent, fair processes for addressing harm.

Confidentiality: We uphold the highest standards of confidentiality to protect the privacy and dignity of those we serve.

Expected Behavior

All AFTA community members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner. This includes:

Commitment to Care

• All members of AFTA, including staff, volunteers, and members, will engage in practices that demonstrate genuine care and concern for others.
• We will actively listen and respond to the needs and feelings of others with compassion.

Respecting Others

• Engage with others courteously, valuing their perspectives and contributions. 
• Avoid actions or language that could be perceived as discriminatory, harassing, or oppressive. 
• Communicate openly and respectfully, using language that is inclusive and affirming. 
• Constructive feedback will be given and received with the intent of growth and understanding.

Creating a Culturally Sensitive Environment

• We recognize and respect the diverse cultural backgrounds of the families we serve.
• Take active steps to make AFTA a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds and identities. 
• Be mindful of the ways in which privilege and power can impact interactions and strive to counteract any unintentional exclusion or marginalization.
• We will strive to provide culturally relevant services and be open to learning from the experiences of others.

Promoting Equity

• Recognize and address systemic inequities. 
• When interacting with others, be aware of how dynamics such as race, gender, disability, and socioeconomic status may influence the experience and opportunities of different community members.

Upholding Integrity and Trust

• Trust is foundational to our work. We will strive to create an atmosphere of safety and support, where members feel comfortable expressing themselves.
• Communicate openly and truthfully, and refrain from actions that could undermine trust within the organization.
• Behave honestly and transparently. 

Collaborative Spirit

• We believe in the power of collaboration and teamwork. All members are encouraged to contribute their insights and ideas.
• We will foster an environment that encourages sharing and cooperation among all members.

Accountability

• We hold ourselves accountable for our actions and their impact on others.
• We encourage self-reflection and a willingness to learn from mistakes in order to grow as individuals and as an organization.

Self-Care and Support

• We recognize that caring for others requires that we also care for ourselves. All members are encouraged to engage in self-care practices.
• We will provide support and resources to staff and volunteers to promote their well-being.

Commitment to Professionalism

• All interactions will be conducted with professionalism and integrity, upholding the mission and values of AFTA.
• We will continuously seek professional development opportunities to enhance our skills and knowledge in family therapy practices.

Handling Conflict Respectfully

• Address conflicts constructively and seek solutions that honor the dignity of all parties involved. 
• Engage in conflict resolution processes that are non-punitive and focus on learning and healing.

Procedures for Reporting and Addressing Violations

AFTA is committed to handling reports of Code of Conduct violations with integrity, confidentiality, and compassion.

Reporting Process

Individuals who experience or witness behavior that violates this Code of Conduct can report it through anonymous form or any member of the Board.

Confidentiality and Non-Retaliation

We ensure that reports are kept confidential to protect the privacy of those involved. AFTA strictly prohibits retaliation against any individual who raises concerns or participates in an investigation.

Response Values

AFTA's approach to addressing violations prioritizes restoration, accountability, and repair. Rather than punitive measures, our response seeks to facilitate healing for all parties involved and to promote a culture of learning and improvement.

Accountability and Responsibility

At AFTA, we believe that accountability fosters growth and learning. When individuals fall short of these standards, we are committed to addressing issues in a way that aligns with restorative and transformative justice principles.

Responsibility

We encourage everyone to reflect on their actions, seek feedback, and be open to making amends when harm has occurred.

Restorative Practices

In cases of misconduct, AFTA may use restorative justice approaches that focus on healing, accountability, and community repair rather than punishment. This approach allows individuals to learn from their mistakes and restore trust within the community.

Conflict Resolution

AFTA provides both formal and informal processes to address conflicts. Whenever possible, we aim to resolve issues collaboratively, involving all impacted parties in finding a resolution that acknowledges harm and promotes healing.

Support for Affected Individuals

We are committed to supporting individuals who have been harmed, providing them with the resources, safety, and respect they need to heal. This may include access to confidential counseling, mediation, or other supportive services.

Conflict Resolution and Restorative Practices

At AFTA, we approach conflict resolution through a restorative justice framework, aiming to repair harm, rebuild trust, and foster personal and organizational growth. Restorative practices focus on understanding the root causes of conflicts, giving voice to those impacted, and creating pathways for accountability and reconciliation without relying on punitive measures. 

These restorative practices establish a foundation for a non-punitive, empathy-driven approach to conflict resolution at AFTA. By implementing these practices, AFTA can create a culture where conflicts are addressed constructively and where all community members feel empowered to take responsibility, learn, and grow from challenging situations. 

This approach reinforces AFTA's commitment to equity, respect, and collective well-being. Each practice outlined here emphasizes collaboration, accountability, and healing, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all stakeholders.

Restorative Circles

Purpose: Restorative Circles provide a structured space for open dialogue where all parties involved in a conflict can share their perspectives and experiences. This process encourages active listening, empathy, and mutual understanding, helping individuals to connect on a deeper level and collaboratively address the underlying issues.

Process: A trained facilitator will guide the Circle, ensuring that each participant has an equal opportunity to speak and that everyone follows established ground rules (e.g., confidentiality, respectful listening). The Circle format emphasizes healing and solutions rather than assigning blame.

Outcome: The goal of a Restorative Circle is to develop a collective understanding of the harm caused and reach a consensus on steps for repair and reconciliation.

Facilitated Dialogue

Purpose: Facilitated Dialogue is a structured conversation between individuals or groups involved in a conflict. A neutral third-party facilitator helps manage the conversation to ensure it remains respectful, focused, and productive. This approach is particularly useful for conflicts where misunderstandings or differing expectations are at the core of the issue.

Process: The facilitator begins by setting guidelines for respectful dialogue, ensuring all parties have a chance to speak and listen. Participants are encouraged to express how the conflict has impacted them and to discuss their needs for resolution and healing. The facilitator works to identify common ground and promote constructive problem-solving.

Outcome: The dialogue should result in a shared understanding of the harm and a mutually agreed-upon plan for moving forward, including any commitments to change behavior or communication patterns.

Community Accountability Agreements

Purpose: When harm has occurred, a Community Accountability Agreement allows the person who caused harm and the impacted individuals or group to collaboratively create a plan for accountability and restitution. This agreement specifies actions the responsible party will take to make amends and restore trust within the community.

Process: With the guidance of a restorative facilitator, both parties discuss what accountability looks like in this specific context. The resulting agreement may include commitments such as attending specific training sessions, engaging in community service, or making a formal apology. The agreement should be practical, time-bound, and revisited periodically to assess progress.

Outcome: A successful Community Accountability Agreement addresses the needs of those impacted by harm and provides a structured, supportive path for the responsible party to make amends and reintegrate fully into the community.

Conflict Coaching and Reflection Sessions

Purpose: Conflict Coaching and Reflection Sessions provide an opportunity for individuals involved in a conflict—particularly those who may have unintentionally caused harm—to engage in self-reflection with the support of a trained coach or mentor. This practice promotes personal growth and helps individuals understand the impact of their actions.

Process: The coach meets one-on-one with the individual to explore the conflict from different perspectives, focusing on themes such as implicit bias, privilege, and accountability. The session may involve journaling exercises, role-playing, or discussion of hypothetical scenarios to deepen self-awareness and empathy.

Outcome: Conflict Coaching and Reflection Sessions equip individuals with insights and skills to handle future interactions more thoughtfully, promoting a more empathetic and inclusive organizational culture.

Apology and Reparation Process

Purpose: When harm has been acknowledged, the Apology and Reparation Process offers a structured way for the responsible individual to apologize and offer reparations, if appropriate. This process is especially useful in cases where the person harmed has expressed a need for an apology as part of their healing.

Process: The individual who caused harm works with a restorative facilitator to craft a sincere, meaningful apology, which addresses the harm and acknowledges the impact of their actions. The facilitator also helps both parties explore appropriate forms of reparation that are meaningful and feasible, which could range from personal commitments to changes in organizational policy or practice.

Outcome: A sincere apology, combined with thoughtful reparation, can be a powerful tool for healing and reconciliation, helping to rebuild trust and restore a sense of safety and respect within the community.

Restorative Justice Conference

Purpose: For more serious conflicts or incidents of harm, a Restorative Justice Conference provides an opportunity for affected parties to come together in a formal setting to address the harm and discuss ways to move forward.

Process: A trained facilitator guides the conference, where both the person who caused harm and those impacted by the harm are present. Each party has the chance to speak openly about their experiences, the impact of the incident, and their needs for resolution. The conference may involve community members or other stakeholders to foster collective responsibility and accountability.

Outcome: The conference typically concludes with a documented plan for accountability and reparation, which may include specific actions, timelines, and follow-up meetings. The conference focuses on holistic healing, aiming to restore community bonds and trust.

Follow-Up and Integration

Purpose: Ensuring that agreements are followed through is essential to the success of any restorative practice. Regular follow-up meetings allow AFTA to support individuals in maintaining accountability and to adjust plans if necessary.

Process: A designated individual will schedule follow-up meetings with involved parties at set intervals. These check-ins provide an opportunity to assess progress, address any new concerns, and ensure that commitments are being honored.

Outcome: Follow-up reinforces accountability and demonstrates AFTA’s commitment to supporting long-term behavioral change. This process helps prevent the recurrence of harm and ensures that individuals and the community feel supported throughout the conflict resolution journey.

Commitment to Learning and Improvement

AFTA acknowledges that learning and growth are ongoing. We are dedicated to continuous improvement in the areas of equity, justice, and social responsibility. To that end, AFTA commits to:

Ongoing Education

Offering regular training, workshops, and discussions on topics such as anti-racism, anti-oppression, and transformative justice to deepen understanding across the organization.

Self-Reflection and Feedback

Encouraging all members of the community to engage in self-reflection and actively seek feedback on their behavior and interactions.

Evolving Practices

Staying informed about best practices and emerging knowledge in the fields of social justice and community care and applying those insights to AFTA's operations.

Commitment to Transparency and Regular Review

AFTA is committed to transparency in the implementation of this Code of Conduct. To remain relevant and responsive to the needs of our community:

Regular Review

The Code of Conduct will be reviewed annually, incorporating feedback from community members and updating policies as needed to align with best practices.

Open Communication

AFTA will communicate any significant changes to the Code of Conduct to all members, ensuring that everyone is informed and has a chance to provide input.

By adhering to this Code of Conduct, each member of the AFTA community contributes to a supportive, just, and inclusive environment. Together, we can build a culture that reflects AFTA's values and advances our shared mission.

Disclaimer for Transparency

This Code of Conduct was drafted with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI, based on prompts and guidance provided by AFTA’s leadership. The content reflects the values, knowledge, and collaborative input of those involved in its creation, and it is informed by principles of systemic, social constructionist, and abolitionist values as outlined in academic literature and best practices in organizational ethics. Sources and insights used to inform this document include widely recognized approaches in restorative and transformative justice, conflict resolution, and inclusive organizational policy.

This document is intended to serve as a living guideline and will be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect evolving standards, community feedback, and AFTA’s ongoing commitment to equity and justice. Final approval and adoption of this Code of Conduct are the responsibility of AFTA’s Board of Directors, whose oversight ensures that it aligns fully with the organization’s mission, vision, and ethics policy.

Approved by the AFTA Board March 2025