cODE OF ETHICS AND eTHICAL STANDARDS

Social Services of Minnesota

We will . . .

·  Respect, be patient with and treat one another with kindness, compassion, humility and acceptance

·  Pronounce people’s names correctly

·  Lift up and be responsible for all communities, not pit communities against each other

·  Focus the work on ourselves and our peers and willingly share knowledge and information.

·  Assume positive intentions and persist in building Trust and connectedness; not talk down to or make assumptions about each others.

·  Practice a culture of inquiry to build relationships and learn about each other’s culture instead of defining another’s history, race or culture

·  Commit to action, urgency and progress; to meaningful strategies to achieve well-being for our communities; to being serious about this work

·  Value community’s time

·  Appreciate racial justice beyond a Black and White binary, un-invisible all races, ethnicities and indigenous people; ensure that all experiences are validated and heard; and, respect all people’s culture and languages

·  Have purposeful, brutally honest, transparent & authentic dialogue – say what we think and feel in the room.

·  Be vulnerable, lean into the discomfort, accept responsibility, acknowledge and not fear our humanity which will include making mistakes from which to grow and learn

·  Listen respectfully, listen to hear, listen with an open mind and willingness to hear another’s perspective, lived experience, and appreciate each other’s truth

·  Respect privacy and confidentiality

·  Be fully present and attentive.

·  Practice empathy, not be dismissive of people’s pain and emotions; and temperance, that allows for centering community.

·  Step up and step back; WAIT (Why Am I Talking).

·  Speak directly to the person(s) when there is a need to express offense.  Name it privately in the moment, at an appropriate time or as soon as possible, not let it fester, listen, promote mutual understanding and allow for repairing the breach.  Consider interrupting the conversation, a time out, to name the offending statement(s) and feelings

Peer Support Specialists: Hope

Inspire hope in those engaging in services by living a life of Recovery and/or Resiliency.

Peer Support Specialists: Cultural Responsiveness and Humility

• Acknowledge the importance of language and culture, intersecting identities, knowledge, and acceptance of dynamics of cultural differences, expansion of cultural knowledge, curiosity, and adaptation of services to meet culturally unique needs. 
• Strive to provide culturally responsive and relevant services to those they support. 
• Respect cultural identities and preferences of those engaging in services and their families and respect the right of others to hold opinions, beliefs, and values different from their own. 
• Shall not discriminate against others on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity, age, religion, national origin, marital status, political belief, or mental or physical differences.
• Shall not discriminate against others on the basis of any other preference, personal characteristic, condition, state, or cultural factor protected under Federal, State or local law. 
• Seek further information, education, and training in cultural competence as necessary to assist those      they support. 

Peer Support Specialists: Respect

• Provide a welcoming environment for persons engaging in services. 
• Approach each person, youth, parent or family member with openness, genuine interest, and appreciation. 
• Accept each person/family and situation as unique. 
• Provide empathy and able to “put oneself in the other person’s shoes.” 
• Value and treat others with kindness, warmth, dignity, and without judgment. 
• Accept each other and are open to sharing with people from many diverse backgrounds including ethnicity, educational levels, socio-economic background, sexual preference, and religion/spirituality. • Honor and make room for everyone’s opinions and see each other as equally capable of contributing. • Demonstrate respect toward those supported, colleagues and the community. 
• Use language that is respectful, “person-first,” and culturally mindful to, and with, those supported, colleagues and the community. 
• Never use language that could be construed as, or is, derogatory, insulting, or demeaning in written, electronic, or verbal communications. 

Peer Support Specialists: Integrity  

• Act in accordance with the highest standards of professional integrity. 
• Avoid relationships or commitments that conflict with the interests of persons engaging in services, impair professional judgment, imply a conflict of interest, or create risk of harm to those supported. 
• Conduct themselves in a way that does not jeopardize the integrity of the peer relationship. 
• Seek supervision to handle any real or potential conflicts when and if a dual relationship is unavoidable. 
• Follow organizational policies and guidelines regarding giving and receiving gifts. 
• Consider the cultural context and other potential considerations related to gifts. 
• Do not lend, give, or receive money or payment for any services to, or from, persons they support. 
• Demonstrate accountability in fulfilling commitments. 
• Resist influences that interfere with professional performance. 
• Shall not commit fraud, waste or abuse in the delivery of Medi-Cal services. 

Here at Social Services of Minnesota we believe every community owes its existence and vitality to generations from around the world who contributed their hopes, dreams, and energy to making the history that led to this moment. Some were brought here against their will, some were drawn to leave their distant homes in hope of a better life, and some have lived on this land since time immemorial. Truth and acknowledgment are critical to building mutual respect and connection across all barriers of heritage and difference.
We are standing on the ancestral lands of the Dakota People. We want to acknowledge the Ojibwe, the Ho Chunk and the other nations of people who also called this place home. We pay respects to their elders past and present. Please take a moment to consider the treaties made by the tribal nations that entitle non-Native people to live and work on traditional Native lands. Consider the many legacies of violence, displacement, migration, and settlement that bring us together here today. And please join us in uncovering such truths at any and all public event.

 Social Services of Minnesota believe in promoting positivity, unity, and uplifting our community. We condemn violence and racism of all kinds. We all have a roll in working towards racial, gender and social justice.

The pandemic has created a spotlight on social inequities in our communities. Amid this public health crisis, we witnessed the unjust death of our community member, George Floyd, that inspired a worldwide movement. Our home is the epicenter for change. Real change is necessary and far overdue in our country, and it is our responsibility to continue playing a role in efforts to affect meaningful reform. We stand in solidary with communities of color and, as full partners with others in the Twin Cities and beyond, we are committed to creating the change we want to see in the world – where everyone is protected, safe and welcome. There is no place for racism, inequality or injustice in our society.

Today, and every day, we are working to end racism.

 What is stigmatizing language? Stigmatizing language assigns negative labels, stereotypes, and judgment to certain groups of people. Such language can contribute to negative outcomes such as social isolation, reduced self-esteem, and less likelihood to seek medical help. Social Services of Minnesota works diligently to address and combat the stigmatization of individuals through language.
 

 (WORTH READING)

Come to us,

Let our sacrifice and fasting be shown to you as a gift of our devotion.

Pick our feeble heads from the soil with your hands and provide us with a gaze of new life.

Give us life to carry on your mission.

As we navigate a new world, we invasion truth reality and humanity where your light is present always.

Guide us in this grate mission through all the meandering corridors and scripts.

Let us build with one another as so did our ancestors to create a land of value.

That reflects ourselves and our belief.

May we Surrender. This meeting to a better understanding of each other.