Relational Agreements for Participation and Engagement
Benjamin J. Sanford | The Evolving Wisdom Project/ Trillium Solutions LLC

Purpose

This Code of Conduct is a shared agreement for how we show up—in learning, mentoring, dialogue, wilderness, community, and collaboration. It reflects the values of mutual respect, personal accountability, and wholeness in relationship.

1. Relational Integrity

All participants, clients, and staff are expected to:

• Treat each other with dignity, kindness, and respect

• Honor differing perspectives without ridicule or dominance

• Engage with humility, openness, and a willingness to grow

• Own their intentions, impacts, and mistakes

• Offer feedback with clarity and care

This applies in both digital and in-person spaces.

2. Consent and Boundaries

We commit to:

• Practicing clear, ongoing consent in physical, emotional, and intellectual interactions

• Respecting personal space, preferences, and limits

• Checking in rather than assuming

• Addressing harm relationally and non-punitively whenever possible

Facilitators will create containers where safety and autonomy are prioritized.

3. Inclusivity and Dialogue

We agree to:

• Use language that is inclusive and non-discriminatory

• Remain open to feedback about unintentional harm or bias

• Stay present through discomfort when needed for growth

• Listen more than we speak, especially across lines of difference

Everyone has something to teach and something to learn.

4. Responsibility and Accountability

We take responsibility for:

• Our participation and presence

• The ways we support or disrupt the group dynamic

• Repairing harm when it occurs

• Seeking guidance or support when unsure

We understand that learning environments are not perfect, and we commit to co-creating them responsibly.

5. Facilitator Role and Leadership

Facilitators agree to:

• Embody the relational agreements above

• Create respectful containers for exploration and challenge

• Intervene when safety or integrity is at risk

• Encourage autonomy, not dependency or hierarchy

• Model ongoing self-reflection and transparency

6. Breaches of Conduct

Violation of these agreements may result in:

• A relational conversation and opportunity for repair

• Temporary or permanent removal from a program (without refund)

• Escalation only if necessary to protect the wellbeing of others

Whenever possible, harm will be addressed with curiosity, dialogue, and the opportunity for growth.

Benjamin J. Sanford | The Evolving Wisdom Project | Trillium Solutions LLC

We affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every human being, grounded not in identity labels, political categories, or ideological frameworks, but in our shared humanity and the deeper patterns that bind people across time, culture, and difference.

Each person arrives shaped by lineage, lived experience, and present circumstance—carrying both wounds and wisdom. Our work meets people as whole persons, not as representatives of groups, abstractions, or moral positions. We reject approaches that reduce human beings to fixed classifications or treat identity as a primary moral lens.

We cultivate relational integrity through humility, curiosity, responsibility, and care. What is often called cultural sensitivity is understood here not as a credential or compliance standard, but as a discipline of attention and encounter—one that grows through listening, presence, and lived relationship rather than prescription.

We acknowledge that harm, injustice, and disconnection have shaped both individuals and communities across history and into the present. At the same time, we do not orient this work around blame, adversarial narratives, or ideological struggle. Our focus is on restoring the underlying conditions that support human flourishing, including belonging, meaning, vitality, resilience, integrity, and wisdom.

We are especially attentive to those walking what might be called the severed path—those disconnected from lineage, place, tradition, or community. Restoration, in this context, is pursued not through political allegiance, moral signaling, or identity-based advocacy, but through relational practice, personal responsibility, and shared participation in a living culture.

In this work, qualities sometimes described as diversity, fairness, or inclusion are understood as emergent properties of healthy systems, not as primary objectives to be engineered or enforced. When foundational conditions are tended well, concerns related to access, safety, and participation can be addressed contextually, proportionally, and wisely, without fragmenting individuals or communities into competing categories.

This approach is ecological rather than ideological, formative rather than performative, and developmental rather than political.

Commitments in Practice

We are committed to cultivating environments that are:

Relationally grounded — free from harassment, coercion, or dehumanization

Contextually discerning — attentive to power, responsibility, and impact without resorting to rigid formulas

Human-scaled and adaptive — responsive to real needs rather than abstract mandates

Oriented toward repair — addressing harm through accountability, learning, and restoration rather than blame or public adjudication

We do not tolerate discrimination, demeaning conduct, or the use of any ideology—political, religious, or social—to justify coercion, moral superiority, or the silencing of others.

A Note on Fit

This work is not intended for those seeking ideological validation, political advocacy, identity-centered frameworks, or compliance-driven moral environments.

It is intended for individuals oriented toward:

Wholeness over fragmentation

Responsibility over blame

Wisdom over signaling

Formation over performance

Depth, integrity, and lived practice

Participation assumes a willingness to engage complexity without reducing it to slogans, positions, or oppositional identities.

If this orientation resonates, you are welcome to engage this work with sincerity, humility, and care. If it does not, this may not be the right contain

Benjamin J. Sanford | The Evolving Wisdom Project | Trillium Solutions LLC

Our Living Responsibility

As human beings, we are not separate from nature—we are participants in a web of relationships that includes land, water, air, fire, animal life, plant life, ancestors, and future generations.

This statement affirms our responsibility as stewards, not just visitors or users of land. Whether teaching in the wild, guiding immersive experiences, or creating community—we strive to live and teach with reverence and reciprocity.

1. Honoring Indigenous Lands and Wisdom

We acknowledge that much of the land where our work takes place is the ancestral and unceded territory of Indigenous peoples. We honor their enduring connection to land, water, and all relations, and recognize the historical and ongoing injustices of colonization.

We are committed to:

• Learning from Indigenous ways of knowing, without appropriation

• Respecting tribal sovereignty and local relationships

• Inviting responsible dialogue around ancestry, land, and repair

• Supporting Indigenous-led movements where possible

We walk this path with humility, knowing we are guests.

2. Earth-Centered Practice

Nature is not a backdrop—it is a teacher, a co-participant, and a living system. We commit to:

• Practicing Leave No Trace or minimal impact principles

• Avoiding unnecessary disruption of local ecosystems

• Integrating regenerative and permacultural principles where possible

• Encouraging deep observation, gratitude, and interbeing in our programs

We see all life as sacred. Our work aims to restore and deepen that recognition in self and society.

3. Teaching Through Stewardship

Our learning spaces model the values we teach. This includes:

• Encouraging resourcefulness and reverence, not consumption

• Teaching survival and awareness skills through a lens of relationship, not dominance

• Holding space for grief, awe, and healing as ecological emotions

• Engaging with local plants, animals, and ecologies through consent, study, and respect

We do not teach conquest or control—we teach kinship and care.

4. Cultural Awareness and Reverence

We draw on many traditions—ancestral, scientific, and philosophical—and commit to doing so with cultural sensitivity and ethical responsibility.

We strive to:

• Attribute teachings and lineages accurately

• Avoid extraction or commodification of sacred practices

• Foster cross-cultural respect and dialogue

• Make space for emergent, collective wisdom

We believe that true stewardship is cultural as well as ecological.

5. A Call to Conscious Participation

Every participant, client, or guest is invited to join us in this ethic. This includes:

• Being aware of one’s impact on the land and others

• Practicing gratitude, reverence, and restraint

• Honoring the living beings, materials, and practices involved in our learning

• Staying open to learning, unlearning, and growing in ecological and cultural awareness

We are not separate. We are in relationship. Stewardship is how we remember that.

Overview

1. General Information and Welcome

Welcome to the Evolving Wisdom Project (EWP) which is the umbrella identity for projects by Benjamin J. Sanford (and collaborators) including the Primal Wisdom Collective, The Kairos Guild, Kairos Consulting, and Tribal Edge Primal Wisdom Center.

We are dedicated to creating a safe and empowering space for personal transformation and collective well-being. Our mission is to foster connections with nature, others, and oneself while embracing diversity and promoting positive interactions within our community.

2. Participant Responsibilities and Expectations

As a participant you are expected to adhere to the following guidelines:

Code of Conduct: Uphold our commitment to respect, diversity, and inclusivity. Communicate and listen with empathy and refrain from judgment. Refrain from pushing divisive opinions and dogmatic agendas around complex, personal, and sensitive issues. Engage in inclusive conversations and report any unsafe encounters to facilitators and guides.

Respect for Others: Seek peaceful interactions and embrace diversity as a source of strength and enrichment. Avoid dominance by a few voices and prioritize topics aligned with our shared intentions and values.

Personal Responsibility: Take responsibility for your actions and uphold cultural guidelines. Cooperate with all staff and emergency response team in case of emergencies.

Care for the earth and all life: Take care of the land and respect all living things with gratitude. Do not alter the landscape or take from the land without permission or instruction.

3. Safety and Emergency Procedures

In case of a true emergency, report the incident to the staff or call 911. Cooperate fully with the instructors, guides, and our emergency response team. Do not attempt to provide first aid care beyond your scope of training. Familiarize yourself with hazards, emergency equipment, evacuation routes, and the nearest emergency services.

4. Camp/Retreat Policies

Land Rules: Adhere to regulations on curfew, personal music devices, controlled substances, firearms, pets, smoking, alcohol, underage drinking, parking, speed limits, and littering.

Children: Ensure children under 16 are supervised and cared for at all times by a parent, legal guardian, or caretaker over 16 years old. Parents and guardians are expected to care for their children an moderate the disruptive, inappropriate, or unsafe behavior of children. Children must camp with their own family group.

Professional offerings: All promotions and professional services offered must be approved. All events hosted or offered by external parties must agree to the policies and other required criteria.

5. Program Information

Familiarize yourself with our Code of Conduct, addressing common intentions, disruptions, membership agreement, and fit assessment.

6. Accommodation and Facilities

Respect shared spaces and adhere to facility rules. Check-in/check-out times and camp assignments will be provided upon arrival.

7. Communication and Conflict Resolution

Report disruptive behavior or unsafe encounters to facilitators and guides for support and intervention. Address conflicts or disagreements through respectful dialogue.

8. Financial and Legal Information

Review payment and refund policies. Sign liability waivers upon arrival. Understand our privacy policy regarding data collection and use.

9. Feedback and Evaluation

Provide feedback on your experience and suggestions for improvement. Participate in evaluation processes to help us better serve our community.

10. Appendices

Access additional resources such as maps, contact information, and recommended reading materials. Complete registration forms and familiarize yourself with our of Conduct agreement.

By adhering to these policies and guidelines, you contribute to creating a vibrant and supportive community within EWP. If you agree to these policies we thank you for your commitment to our shared mission and values.

Details

Land Rules (Tribal Edge Land and other sites used.)

All participants, volunteers, and staff are required to adhere to the following rules while on the land:

Curfew: campers must be on the property and observe a quiet time at 10:30 p.m.

Personal Music Devices: Personal music devices are discouraged and not permitted in public areas.

Amplified Music: Amplified music is only allowed on specific occasions designated by host, facilitators, and guides..

Controlled Substances: Possession and/or use of controlled substances, including marijuana, are strictly prohibited on the land. Violators will be asked to leave immediately.

Firearms: Firearms are not permitted on the land under any circumstances.

Pets: Pets are not allowed, with the exception of special arrangements or for service animals accompanying visitors with disabilities.

Smoking: Smoking is permitted only in designated areas. Cigarette butts must be properly disposed of.

Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages are allowed only on specific occasions sponsored by EWP. Public intoxication is not tolerated.

Underage Drinking: Possession or consumption of alcohol by anyone under 21, or providing alcohol to minors, is strictly prohibited by State law.

Parking: Vehicles must be parked in the designated parking area, unless special arrangements are made with staff.

Littering: Littering is strictly prohibited. dispose of waste properly and leave our land better than you found it.

Emergency Protocol: In case of emergency, cooperate fully with the staff and professional emergency responders.

Adherence to these rules is mandatory for all individuals staying on site or camping. Serious violations may result in immediate expulsion and/or reporting to law enforcement authorities. All guests are required to sign these land rules upon check-in.

Children

EWP welcomes children of parents/guardians participating in family programs or personal retreats. However, childcare is not provided. Parents must provide care and supervision for their children.

Supervision: Children must be accompanied by a participating parent or guardian at all times. Caretakers supervising children must be at least 16 years old.

Accommodations: Children must stay overnight in the same accommodations as their parents or guardian.

Use of Land

External commercial offerings (classes, retreats, etc.): Our land is sacred to us and we enjoy sharing it with those who respect it and can benefit from sharing its gifts.

Three types of land use:

Offerings through EWP: these are EWP offerings that may include visiting instructors and contributors.

Offerings with EWP: these are collaborative offerings that include EWP and other parties working together.

Offerings at Tribal Edge or other sites: these are external offerings that may or may not be associated with EWP who are offering their own event.

Criteria

All commercial or business promotions and services that wish to use the land must make a formal request and be approved. All prospective hosts and events hosted or offered by external parties must meet the following criteria:

Policy agreement: all policies are understood and any exceptions are disclosed and agreed to.

Value alignment: values and intentions are understood, honorable, and resonant.

Shared syllabus: a syllabus or outline describing the proposed event including public view of materials must accompany any request to use the land.

Clear communication: communication is respectful, consistent, and complete. All intentions, objectives, actions, needs, and requests are transparent.

Collaborative spirit: a cooperative and complementary intention to find a win-win outcome for all parties involved.

No competition/conflict of interest: no offerings shall compete with or diminish EWP offerings.

Sufficient and appropriate liability coverage: adequate and effective insurance is required for all events. A copy of policy information must be provided to EWP.

Respect property rights: respectful care of the land and property is expected. No physical or intellectual property of EWP may be used without permission unless it is in the public domain.

Reasonable compensation in advance: a reasonable fee will be determined and paid for prior to the offering.

Self-sufficiency: all events and hosts are expected to be self-sufficient and will be charged for extra costs and services required of EWP.

Scheduling: all events must be scheduled in advance and must avoid conflict with EWP events.

Right to refusal: EWP retains the right to refuse the use of the land and remove anyone at any point if any policies are seriously violated.

Code of Ethics

EWP is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all participants, staff, and volunteers. Our Code of Ethics outlines our values and principles:

Prohibited Conduct

EWP prohibits the following behaviors:

Abuse in any form:

Physical Harm: Intimidation, bullying, physical violence, or threatening behavior.

Sexual Misconduct: Sexual assault, harassment, exploitation, or misconduct.

Relationship Violence: Dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking.

Speech: Emotional abuse, harassment, discriminatory speech, or slander.

Power: Abuse of power, influence, leadership, guidance and instruction.

Intoxication: Possession or consumption of illegal substances or intoxicants.

Discrimination: Exclusion or discrimination based on age, ethnicity, gender, etc.

Retaliation: Retaliation against anyone reporting alleged harm.

Additional Unlawful Conduct: Criminal activities or any violations of the law.

Specific Activity Limits

Respect the boundaries of others. No inappropriate sneaking, scaring, stealth, or hiding.

No unsolicited ceremonies or prescribed healing or therapy sessions or treatments.

We encourage rough-and-tumble play but do not allow unsupervised sparring or fighting.

Please respect the land and do not harvest any creature or materials without permission or instruction.

Please do not consume wild foods without guidance or instruction.

Please do not fraternize with other participants. Make your connections after you leave.

Institutional Commitments

EWP commits to:

Finances and Governance: Transparency, financial responsibility, and accountability.

Training and Education: Ongoing education and training on safety and ethical conduct.

Transparency: Honest and transparent communication.

Accountability and Enforcement: Fair and consistent enforcement of policies.

Whistleblower Policy

EWP prohibits retaliation against whistleblowers and provides an alternative reporting process for serious violations.

No Retaliation: Retaliation against whistleblowers is strictly prohibited.

Reporting: Report violations to the EWP staff or appropriate authorities.

Participation in Process: Conduct fair investigations and protect whistleblowers.

Good Faith Reporting: Only file reports in good faith.

Anonymity: We respect all requests for the whistleblower’s choice to be anonymous.

EWP Code of Conduct

Our Commitment:

EWP is dedicated to creating a safe and empowering space where members can connect deeply with themselves, others, and nature. We embrace diversity and strive to cultivate positive, meaningful, and regenerative interactions within our community.

Core Principles:

We acknowledge that each member is on a unique journey of growth and self-discovery. By upholding the following intentions, values, and agreements, we aim to foster an environment conducive to personal transformation and collective well-being.

Common Intentions:

We do our best to welcome all members without discrimination, embracing diversity as a source of strength and enrichment.

We commit to listening to stories and reflections with an open mind, refraining from judgment, and responding with empathy and respect.

We honor and value each member as an individual with unique perspectives and gifts, recognizing their inherent worth and contributions.

We see ourselves and each other as integral parts of the EWP community, united in our shared pursuit of growth, connection, and belonging.

We facilitate inclusive conversations, ensuring that every member has the opportunity to be heard, valued, and supported.

What We Are Not:

EWP is not a place for activities or discussions unrelated to deepening connections with nature, others, and ourselves. We prioritize topics that align with our shared intentions and values.

We do not tolerate dominance by a few voices or the use of the community as a platform for airing grievances or seeking therapy.

While self-discovery may lead to emotional release and deeper needs, we do not provide therapeutic services within this community.

Disruption & Returning to Balance:

We acknowledge that friction and communication challenges may arise due to our diverse backgrounds and experiences.

If disruption occurs, members are encouraged to reflect on the underlying reasons and consider their impact on others.

Disruptive behavior, such as expressions of anger or judgment, may be addressed through respectful dialogue aimed at understanding and resolution.

Members are encouraged to report any unsafe or questionable encounters to the EWP guides for support and intervention.

Participation Agreement:

In all participation at EWP, you agree to uphold these cultural guidelines to the best of your ability. The community reserves the right to part ways with individuals who do not align with our intentions for positive, connective, and regenerative interactions.

Fit Assessment:

Prospective participants are invited to assess whether these agreements resonate with their values and intentions. Those who choose to join our community are welcomed into a space of shared growth and connection.

Thank you for your commitment to creating a vibrant and supportive community within EWP.

Summary of Ethical Commitments:

1. Indigenous Rights and Land Acknowledgment

We honor the ancestral stewards of the lands on which we live, learn, and teach. This work arises in deep gratitude for Indigenous communities whose wisdom and resilience continue to shape the path forward. We are committed to building respectful relationships, supporting Indigenous sovereignty, and actively learning how to stand in right relation with the land and its original peoples.

2. Religious and Spiritual Pluralism

We welcome all paths that seek truth, healing, and wholeness. Our work is informed by diverse spiritual and symbolic traditions without being beholden to any singular doctrine. We hold space for sacred inquiry, mythic imagination, and deep meaning-making—recognizing spirit as a dimension of life that transcends boundaries and belongs to all.

3. Gender and Identity

We affirm the inherent dignity and evolving identity of every person. We welcome people of all genders and orientations and strive to create spaces where each individual feels safe to show up fully. While we may draw upon archetypal patterns and ancestral roles, these are offered with care, reflection, and freedom of engagement—not imposed as fixed categories.

4. Political Neutrality and Ethical Stance

We are politically unaffiliated but ethically grounded. Our work challenges systems of disconnection and domination while inviting regeneration, justice, and belonging. We aim to cultivate dialogue across difference, hold complexity with care, and act from values rather than ideology. We choose integrity over performance, and wisdom over polarization.

5. Ecological Responsibility and Stewardship

We understand the Earth not as a resource, but as a living community of which we are a part. We are committed to practices that restore ecosystems, support biodiversity, and reweave the bonds between humans and the more-than-human world. Stewardship is not a role—it is a relationship built on reciprocity, reverence, and responsibility.

6. Trauma-Informed Practices

We recognize that healing is nonlinear and sacred. Our programs and relationships are grounded in trauma-aware approaches that honor the body's wisdom, affirm choice, and protect personal boundaries. We do not rush processes or exploit vulnerability. We foster safe containers where growth, transformation, and re-integration can unfold at a natural pace.

7. Consent and Power Dynamics

Power is sacred—and easily misused. We are committed to consent-based relationships, clarity of roles, and transparent leadership. We engage with humility and take responsibility for the influence our roles carry. Every participant has the right to full awareness, autonomy, and the space to say “yes,” “no,” or “not yet.”

8. Economic Accessibility and Pricing

We are reimagining what it means to value and exchange. Our work is offered with an ethic of access, transparency, and fairness. We provide multiple pricing tiers, work-trade opportunities, and scholarship pathways wherever possible. We are exploring ways to shift from extractive models to regenerative economies rooted in contribution, not consumption.

9. Cultural Appropriation

We are committed to honoring, not harvesting, the wisdom of cultures not our own. Cultural knowledge is not a toolkit to be borrowed but a lineage to be respected. We seek ongoing relationship with living traditions, name our sources, and stay humble in our engagement. Where we draw from ancestral or Indigenous wisdom, we do so with reverence, accountability, and a commitment to listening, learning, and giving back.

10. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

We see DEI not as a trend or political checkbox, but as a reflection of our values. Diversity strengthens us. Equity grounds us. Inclusion opens the way. We strive to create spaces where all people—regardless of background, ability, race, gender, or belief—can belong and thrive. We commit to continued learning, honest reflection, and taking meaningful action to reduce harm and increase fairness.

1. Indigenous Rights and Land Acknowledgment

We honor the ancestral stewards of the lands on which we live, learn, and teach. This work arises in deep gratitude for Indigenous communities whose wisdom and resilience continue to shape the path forward. We are committed to building respectful relationships, supporting Indigenous sovereignty, and actively learning how to stand in right relation with the land and its original peoples.

2. Sacred Orientation

This work is grounded in the conviction that the sacred is real, central, and irreducible as the living ground of reality. We do not approach spiritual life through relativistic pluralism or ideological comparison, but through participatory alignment with what is most real. Traditions are understood as living pathways of practice and formation—distinct, non-interchangeable, and meaningful in proportion to the depth and completeness of participation they afford.

While open to people from diverse backgrounds, this work is not spiritually neutral. It assumes that genuine harmony arises not from flattening differences, but from right participation in the sacred through humility, responsibility, and transformation.

3. Gender and Identity

We affirm the inherent dignity and evolving identity of every person. We welcome people of all genders and orientations and strive to create spaces where each individual feels safe to show up fully. While we may draw upon archetypal patterns and ancestral roles, these are offered with care, reflection, and freedom of engagement—not imposed as fixed categories.

4. Political Neutrality and Ethical Stance

We are politically unaffiliated but ethically grounded. Our work challenges systems of disconnection and domination while inviting regeneration, justice, and belonging. We aim to cultivate dialogue across difference, hold complexity with care, and act from values rather than ideology. We choose integrity over performance, and wisdom over polarization.

5. Ecological Responsibility and Stewardship

We understand the Earth not as a resource, but as a living community of which we are a part. We are committed to practices that restore ecosystems, support biodiversity, and reweave the bonds between humans and the more-than-human world. Stewardship is not a role—it is a relationship built on reciprocity, reverence, and responsibility.

6. Trauma-Informed Practices

We recognize that healing is nonlinear and sacred. Our programs and relationships are grounded in trauma-aware approaches that honor the body's wisdom, affirm choice, and protect personal boundaries. We do not rush processes or exploit vulnerability. We foster safe containers where growth, transformation, and re-integration can unfold at a natural pace.

7. Consent and Power Dynamics

Power is sacred—and easily misused. We are committed to consent-based relationships, clarity of roles, and transparent leadership. We engage with humility and take responsibility for the influence our roles carry. Every participant has the right to full awareness, autonomy, and the space to say “yes,” “no,” or “not yet.”

8. Economic Accessibility and Pricing

We are reimagining what it means to value and exchange. Our work is offered with an ethic of access, transparency, and fairness. We provide multiple pricing tiers, work-trade opportunities, and scholarship pathways wherever possible. We are exploring ways to shift from extractive models to regenerative economies rooted in contribution, not consumption.

9. Cultural Appropriation

We are committed to honoring, not harvesting, the wisdom of cultures not our own. Cultural knowledge is not a toolkit to be borrowed but a lineage to be respected. We seek ongoing relationship with living traditions, name our sources, and stay humble in our engagement. Where we draw from ancestral or Indigenous wisdom, we do so with reverence, accountability, and a commitment to listening, learning, and giving back.