Code of Ethics

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Litchfield Wellness: Code of Ethics

I.  Accountability and Transparency

We are stewards of the trust placed in us by communities, donors, and partners. Inherent to this, we work to manage our resources responsibly, ethically, and in alignment with our organizational mission. We value feedback and commit to continuous quality improvement and ongoing learning.

II.  Respect for Local Culture and Leadership

We honor the traditions, knowledge, and leadership of the communities we serve, collaborating with local stakeholders and businesses whenever possible. Our objective is to strengthen and build collaborative resourcing, informational awareness, and resilience within Litchfield County. We believe in partnership across organizations, sectors, and borders.

III. Primum non nocere: Do No Harm

Our organization prioritizes all actions that work toward the reduction/ elimination of physical, psychological, sociocultural, and environmental harm. We consider both short and long-term consequences prior to program implementation and work actively to vet out any actions that might potentially exploit or endanger those we aim to serve. 

IV.  Professional Conduct

We strive to uphold honesty, fairness, and professionalism in all internal and externally facing interactions connected to our organizational network. In turn, we expect the same conduct from our partners, sponsors, members, vendors, and affiliates. Although it is impossible to vet out every single business and member participating in our directory, festival, and other events, we maintain a strict standard for professional ethics and integrity. All individuals must abide by state, local, and federal legal statutes and all requirements set forth by their respective professional accrediting, certifying, and/or licensing bodies in conjunction with the CT Department of Public Health where applicable.

· All physical and mental health care providers and businesses advertising services related to such including must have current proof of professional licensure/ as evidenced in the CT State Department of Public Health Database

· All massage therapists and businesses advertising services related to such must have proof of professional licensure/ as evidenced in the CT State Department of Public Health Database

· All yoga instructors and businesses advertising services related to such must at minimum have a 200-hour certification from a certified yoga school registered with Yoga Alliance.

· All other providers and businesses providing/advertising services that require specific licensure, certification, training, and/or credentialing must uphold these requirements in their respective discipline(s). 

Any individual or business owner in any US state, territory, or foreign country must disclose any of the following to the Board of Directors and/or on any related documents prior to onboarding as a vendor, presenter, committee member, or listed directory member: 

· A felony arrest conviction 

· An open professional licensure investigations or licensure revocation 

· Substantiated allegations with the Department of Children and Families, Department of Social Services, an equivalent protection agency and/or are actively being investigated by one of the aforementioned agencies. 

·  Any required enrollment/ listing in a Sex Offender Registry 

V. Integrity of Goods and Services

All festival representatives—including staff, volunteers, speakers, and vendors—are expected to act with honesty, transparency, and professionalism in all interactions and communications.

• Promotional Materials: Any marketing content, advertisements, social media posts, or printed materials must accurately represent the products, services, workshops, or experiences being offered. Claims should be fact-based and verifiable, avoiding exaggeration, sensationalism, or misleading statements that could create false expectations.

• Services and Offerings: All wellness activities, workshops, or treatments provided at the festival must be delivered as described. Safety guidelines, potential benefits, and any limitations or contraindications should be clearly communicated to participants. All multi-level marketing (MLM) entities must explicitly state this to prospective clients to ensure that informed consent is present.

• Communication with Participants: All verbal or written communication with festival attendees should maintain transparency, professionalism, and respect. Misrepresentation of qualifications, experience, or the intended outcomes of services or workshops is strictly prohibited. 

VI. Protection, Safeguarding, and Reporting

We maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward abuse, exploitation, or harassment of any kind. Our mission is to work toward safeguarding children, vulnerable populations, and our community at large.  All staff, volunteers, and partners must adhere to this policy and report concerns promptly. In addition, community members are encouraged to report any concerns confidentially to our board of directors and will be protected from any concerns regarding retaliation or harassment for said disclosures. 

VII. At-Will Collaboration 

Collaborations and partnerships with the Litchfield Wellness organization and subsidiaries are voluntary and at-will. Either party may elect to discontinue participation or association at any time, with or without cause. Termination of such collaboration does not imply wrongdoing by either party and shall be conducted in a professional manner consistent with organizational values. Termination of this agreement shall not entitle either party to damages, compensation, or future consideration of any kind, except as otherwise expressly provided herein.

VIII. Environmental Responsibility

We recognize that human wellbeing depends on a healthy planet and have a mission to design and deliver programs that respect ecological systems. We will work to reduce waste, emissions, and resource consumption wherever possible.

IX. Commitment to Science and Innovation

We actively evaluate our work on an ongoing basis and seek feedback from the communities we serve. Our team is dedicated to fostering a culture of scientific curiosity, critical thinking, and continuous discovery. We believe that innovation flourishes through evidence-based practice and the relentless pursuit of new knowledge. We continuously engage in ongoing research, reviewing emerging data, and explore advancements that enhance our understanding and impact in the wellness arena. By integrating the latest scientific findings into our work, we ensure that our approaches remain dynamic, informed, and grounded in integrity. 

X. Diversity Equity and Inclusion

The Litchfield Wellness organization intends to use our platform responsibly to amplify marginalized voices and foster an inclusive, safe, and respectful space for human connection. We are committed to fostering an environment where every individual; regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, ability, religion, sexual orientation, or background, is valued, respected, and empowered to contribute fully. We actively work to dismantle barriers, promote equitable opportunities, and ensure that all voices are heard and represented in decision-making. By embracing inclusion and equity in our programs, partnerships, and workplace culture, we strive to create a community that reflects the richness of the world we serve and strengthens our collective impact. We abide to a zero tolerance for discrimination based on race, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, disability, or socioeconomic status.

XI. Non-Partisan Affiliation

Our organization maintains a strict non-partisan philosophy as a global entity and do not identify with any political party, candidate, or platform. Our mission and programs are guided solely by our values, ethical principles, and commitment to serving communities, ensuring that our work remains neutral, inclusive, and focused entirely on our humanitarian and organizational wellness goals.

XII. Health and Safety

All staff are expected to actively monitor their health and well-being. Team members must take appropriate precautions to prevent the spread of illness, including staying home if experiencing symptoms of any acute contagion/ infectious disease. By prioritizing personal health and community safety, we ensure a safe, supportive environment for colleagues, staff, partners, and visitors.

XIII.  Communication & Media Relations ?

Endorsement

By upholding these standards, we ensure the festival maintains credibility, fosters trust with participants, and reflects a commitment to ethical practice in the wellness community.

All staff, volunteers, vendors, affiliates, members, and partners of this organization affirm their understanding of the policies and code of ethics as outlined, verify their commitment to upholding these guidelines in spirit and practice.