This Code of Ethics for Dulce Madre Tierra Tribe establishes a set of general ethical standards for our lives and practices.
1. Gives declaration to the basic values and standards of the Church
2. Guides decision-making and professional behavior;
3. Provides a mechanism for professional accountability; and
4. Informs the public as to what they should expect from our members
In General
We are grounded in a Earth-Based healing practice and informed by mentorship, education and training.
They:
- Remain proficient by regularly enhancing personal spirituality
- Respect the primacy of conscience in themselves, the plants, and in those they serve.
- Are called to nurture their personal health of mind, body, and spirit, and be responsible for their personal and professional conduct as they grow in their respect for all living beings and the natural environment.
When we behave in a manner that is in alignment with the values of this Code of Ethics, we bring greater integrity, compassion and healing to our world.
Plant Medicine
1. We shall maintain a stance of respect and reverence for our plant allies;
2. Practitioners shall not remove any plant material from the Church property without explicit permission of the Leading Minister
3. Medicines will be stored and will only be dispensed by pre-authorized staff.
Staff
1. Affirm the dignity and value of each individual;
2. Honor all persons as being created in the image and likeness of God;
3. Respect the right of each faith group to hold to its values and traditions;
4. Advocate for professional accountability that protects the public;
5. Respect the cultural, ethnic, gender, racial, sexual orientation, and religious diversity of other Staff and those served;
6. Respect diversity of age, national origin, and physical ability;
7. Refrain from using their position, influence, knowledge, or spiritual affiliation for unfair advantage or for personal gain.
Ethical Principles in Relationships between Staff and Members (including clients, family members, etc):
1. Participation in any ceremony offered at Dulce Madre Tierra must be voluntary and based on consent given by each Member while in an ordinary state of consciousness. Such disclosure will be presented to each Member prior to participating in said ceremony.
- Disclosure given will discuss any elements of the ceremony that could reasonably be presenting physical or psychological risks; and
- Health and Safety before, during and after ceremony will be discussed at length.
- Guests will sign a Release of Liability waiver prior to ceremony
2. Understand that those Members who partake in ceremony may be vulnerable and in a place of great suggestibility. That vulnerability will be honored and not used with malicious or disrespectful intent;
3. Speak and act in ways that honor the dignity and value of every individual;
4. Provide care that is intended to promote the best interest of all parties and to foster strength, integrity, and healing;
5. Demonstrate respect for the cultural and religious values of those they serve and refrain from imposing their own values and beliefs on those served;
6. Are mindful of a perceived imbalance of power in the Staff/Member relationship and refrain from exploitation of that imbalance;
7. Maintain relationships with Members on a professional basis only;
8. Avoid or correct any conflicts of interest or appearance of conflicting interest(s);
9. Refrain from any form of sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, or sexual assault in relationships with Members;
10. Refrain from any form of harassment, coercion, intimidation, or otherwise abusive words or actions in relationships with Members;
11. Safeguard the confidentiality of Members when using materials for educational purposes or written publication;
12. Respect the confidentiality of information entrusted to them by Members when communicating with family members or significant others, except when disclosure is required for necessary treatment and granted by client permission, for the safety of any person or when required by law; and
13. Understand the limits of their individual expertise and make referrals to other professionals when appropriate.
Ethical Principles in Relationships within Training or Volunteer Capacity:
1. Maintain a healthy educational environment free of coercion or intimidation;
2. Maintain clear boundaries in the areas of self-disclosure, intimacy, and sexuality;
3. Provide clear expectations regarding responsibilities, work schedules, fees, and payments; and
4. Provide adequate, timely, and constructive feedback.
The Training Programs offered by Dulce Madre Tierra are committed to providing quality and comprehensive training and supervision to support providers in delivering ethical care within a plant-assisted therapy protocol.
As an organization, we have reverences for our obligation to protect participant safety and to promote ethical growth in our programs.
This code will remain a living document to grow and adapt with the ongoing integration of feedback and evolution of needs over time.
Ethical Principles in Advertising
1. Staff shall engage in appropriate informational activities that educate the public about their professional qualifications and individual scopes of practice and must:
- Represent their competencies, education, training, and experience relevant to their practice of Shamanic care, education, and counseling in an accurate manner;
- Do not use any professional identification (business cards, letterhead, Internet or telephone directory, etc.) if it is false, misleading, fraudulent, or deceptive;
- List and claim as evidence only degrees and certifications that are earned from educational institutions and/or training programs recognized by the certifying organizations;
- Ascertain that the qualifications of their employees, supervisees, and students are represented in a manner that is not false, misleading, fraudulent, or deceptive; and
- Represent themselves as providing specialized services only if they have the appropriate education, training, or supervised experience.
2. Code of Ethics Guidelines for Prevention and Handling of Violations:
- Each Staff member within Dulce Madre Tierra will be required to read, sign and submit a copy of this Code of Ethics, indicating their understanding and compliance;
- Ethical complaints should be submitted in writing to the President and Vice President of Dulce Madre Tierra for review and investigation;
- Following the investigation, a determination will be made;
- An appeal will be accepted and considered from the accused party; and
- A final decision will be made.
Finally:
- I will never share sacraments or sell medicines to those who are not members of DMT. I understand that doing so removes my legal protection and exposes me to prosecution.
- I will not disrespect the medicines and sacraments by using them for recreational purposes.
- I will never manipulate others emotionally, spiritually or physically while they are in the open state during ceremonies or while using medicine