Ways of Working

The following guides our actions and decision-making as we work to return nature to the heart of society while producing food in ways that restore the land, tackle the planetary crisis, and enhance human stewardship of Earth and our fellow creatures.

  • We recognize that all beings are interconnected and we have a responsibility to honor, protect, and care for our human and non-human kin. When societies are rooted in reciprocity, reverence, responsibility, and respect for life, they flourish in the same way that ecological systems do when given the chance.

  • We hold a deep appreciation for all forms of life and the wisdom they impart, honoring the diverse perspectives, cultures, and knowledge of all beings. We recognize that in diversity lies strength. We strive to work inclusively in regard to culture, language, class, race, ethnicity, income, gender, identity, age, immigration status, religion, viewpoint, sexual orientation, gender identity and disability. Discriminatory behavior and all other forms of oppression, including abusive language or harassing behavior, is not accepted.

  • We view generosity as the highest expression of courage. We seek to share our resources and to work collaboratively while standing with the least powerful among us. We embrace humility, recognizing the privilege that some of us have while acknowledging that we are part of a larger universe. We remain open to learning from others, including our non-human kin, recognizing the wisdom that exists beyond our own experiences. 

  • In our interactions with each other and with our non human kin we strive to: observe and listen well; remain curious, especially about other’s perspectives and insights; seek and accept feedback; assume good intent; communicate clearly and act with honesty, nonviolence and humility; distribute credit and acknowledge contributions and accomplishments of others; accept responsibility; offer respectful and constructive response when disagreeing or offering alternative ideas; remain flexible; apologize authentically when called for; treat each other with respect; ask for help when needed; refrain from projecting negative experiences from other parts of our lives onto CFFC; speak respectfully about the organization and its events; and embrace and enjoy the work and the journey.

  • We embrace a non-hierarchical approach, valuing each member's voice and contributions. This principle fosters collaboration, empowerment, and shared leadership. We also acknowledge the need for CFFC members to take on positions of leadership when needed. We expect people in these roles to: accept leadership when it is asked of them, but not to seek it; surrender positions of leadership when it is no longer needed; see leadership as service; and act from a place of care, humility and responsibility.

 CFFC’s Anti-harassment Policy

  • All spaces at CFFC’s activities and events, online or physical, shall be governed by this policy (“Non-Harassment Policy”). All CFFC members, presenters, and other participants and partners are held to the following non-harassment policy:

    CFFC is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone that engages in our programs and services, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, color, national origin, age, religion, or creed. CFFC does not tolerate harassment in any form. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for any of CFFC’s events or activity, including online discussions. Anyone in violation of these policies may be expelled from CFFC activities, events, and digital forums, at the discretion of CFFC’s leadership and/or event managers.

    Prohibited Conduct - CFFC prohibits harassment of any kind toward any person. Harassment includes, but is not limited to, inappropriate conduct based on characteristics such as actual or perceived race, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical appearance, age, religion, ability, marriage or family structure, or socioeconomic class. Examples include quid pro quo sexual harassment, unwelcome sexual attention or advances, requests for sexual favors, unwelcome touching, verbal or physical harassment of a sexual or degrading nature, sexually explicit images or language, inappropriate physical contact, derogatory or abusive verbal or written comments, intimidation, stalking, body policing, sustained disruption of events or talks, bullying, and unwelcome photography or recording, doxing, and coercion.

    Harassment under this policy does not include respectful disagreement or reasonable and respectful exchange or critique made in good faith.

    Reporting Procedure - CFFC supports those who confront harassment. We encourage our participants to hold one another accountable, report objectionable, offensive or harassing behavior, and be good stewards of our volunteer-driven organization. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please email complaints@foodforestcollective.org.

    Investigation and Disciplinary Action - CFFC has zero tolerance for and takes all allegations of harassment seriously. Complaints will be investigated and handled in a respectful, expeditious, and confidential manner. Any person found to have violated this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including: warning the party involved of and to cease inappropriate behavior, immediate removal from an event or meeting, membership termination, denial of access to CFFC events (temporarily or permanently), cancellation of future engagements, and discharge from CFFC leadership positions.

    Non-Retaliation - CFFC has zero tolerance for and prohibits retaliation against anyone for reporting harassment or for participating in an investigation relating to any complaint made under this policy. The same disciplinary actions as stated in the above paragraph may apply.

    CFFC’s Anti-Harassment Policy is an adaptation of the Maryland Writer Association's Anti-Harassment Policy, Code for America's Anti-Harassment Policy, and Non-Profit New York’s Anti-Harassment Policy.