As of June 2019, all of Darcy’s work is being offered through Youth Passageways’ 13 Moons Education and Consulting Collective. Please visit that site for the most current information. You’re welcome to peruse the pages here for more in-depth (but not up to date!) information on Darcy’s work.
My Code of Ethics
Working at the intersection of multiple fields, in the emerging discipline of rites of passage, my lines of professional accountability are varied. I abide by the guidelines put forward by two networks of whom I am a member: Wilderness Guides Council and Youth Passageways, and also follow Youth Passageways’ Cross-Cultural Protocols.
I remain in ongoing contact with specific elders, mentors, and peers whom I can trust to track my work, and provide guidance and feedback on ethical issues. Along with adhering to the standards of these professional entities, I attend to this personal evolving code of ethics:
I strive to recognize that my biggest responsibility is to listen, as deeply as I can.
I strive to remain grounded in the understanding that I am only a vessel. I do not claim to know what’s best for anyone else, and use situations where I think I have “the answer” as opportunities to remind myself how little I know. I reflect what I see and hear, and share my own story and experience when I sense that it might serve. I use opportunities for personal validation as chances to reflect back the gifts and holiness of others.
I strive to engage with each person that I come in contact with as an individual, to meet each person as the unique and special being that they are. I avoid “one size fits all” ways of relating to people, and attempts to fit people into predetermined boxes.
I strive to clear about roles and acknowledge and discuss implicit and explicit power dynamics inherent in relationships. I ensure informed, mutual consent before any shift in roles. I do not to accept power or authority over others that rightfully belongs in their own hands, and do not to give away my power to anyone else.
I strive to challenge unequal and oppressive structures of power whenever possible, even when it puts myself and my privileges at risk.
I strive to be clear, direct, and honest about what I have to offer, and what is beyond my skill set. I seek guidance from trusted elders and advisors.
I strive to honor my teachers and mentors, in word and action.
I strive to never refuse to help someone because of an inability to compensate me.
I strive to honor confidentiality. I do not make promises I can’t keep, and take accountability when I do. I do not say anything about anyone that I would not say to them.
I strive to actively create opportunities to give and receive feedback in all relationships. I take responsibility for my mistakes quickly, and practice patience as I make amends and rebuild trust.
I strive to keep these ethics alive for myself, regularly taking inventory of how well I’m living up to them, and revising them as I learn and grow.