Safety and Consent Policy

Purpose & Scope

This policy protects the safety, dignity, and autonomy of everyone who participates in the Path. It applies to all members, guests, volunteers, and anyone involved in Circlism activities or spaces (online and in person). If you are in immediate danger, call local emergency services now.

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Core Principles

• Consent is sacred. Consent must be informed, voluntary, specific, and revocable. Silence is not consent.

• Peer accountability. Everyone is responsible for safety; members look out for one another.

• Transparency. Activities, participants, and potential risks are announced publicly before events.

• No secret recruitment. Private pressure or one-on-one recruitment for intimate practices is prohibited.

• No minors or vulnerable persons in intimate practices - ever.

• Substance caution. No distribution of illegal substances. Any legal substance use must be disclosed in advance and optional; sober alternatives must be available.

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Member Code of Conduct

• Treat all members with respect, empathy, and care.

• Post full event details publicly: purpose, sequence, who will be present, and any substances involved.

• Do not use private messages or direct contact to recruit members for intimate acts or private “initiations.”

• Obtain explicit opt-in for any intimate or touch-based activity. Use the community consent script.

• If someone withdraws consent, stop immediately and support them.

• Report concerns promptly (see Reporting & Response).

• Repeated or serious violations may result in temporary suspension or permanent removal.

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Read full Member Code of Conduct

 

Event Rules (peer-led events)

• Publicly post a full event description before the event (purpose, sequence, participants, substances, opt-out procedure).

• Require opt-in - no one is auto-added to events.

• Designate a safety buddy for each event who participants can contact if they need support.

• If substances will be present, provide a legal/medical disclaimer and sober alternatives.

• If a participant becomes impaired or withdraws consent, pause or stop the activity immediately.

 

Reporting & Response

• Immediate safety: If someone is in danger, call local emergency services first.

• How to report: Email ringoflightfellowship@gmail.com or submit the community reporting form. Anonymous reports are accepted.

• Temporary protections: On a credible complaint, the accused may be temporarily suspended from events and private contact with the reporter while the situation is reviewed.

• Member Safety Group: A small rotating group will review complaints, coordinate immediate steps, and recommend outcomes (restorative process, suspension, removal). Where needed, outside advisors will be consulted.

• Support: We will offer confidential referrals to local support services (hotlines, counseling) and center the reporter’s wishes when possible.

 

Confidentiality & Retention

• Reports and evidence are kept secure and shared only with those who need to know (Member Safety Group and any external advisors). We will not share identifying details publicly without explicit permission, except as required by law.

• Reports are retained for [3 years] unless the reporter requests otherwise.

 

Non-Retaliation

• Retaliation against reporters, witnesses, or others cooperating with an investigation is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.

 

Red Flags - What to notice

• Requests for secrecy or “special” knowledge.

• Rapid escalation of intimacy after praise, gifts, or praise (“love-bombing”).

• Pressure to speed up sexual, financial, or emotional commitments.

• Attempts to isolate someone from their friends/family.

• Using spiritual language to override hesitation (e.g., “the energy wants this”).

• Repeated boundary-pushing after someone says “no.”

 

If you see something, say something. Even if you are not the target, your observation matters.

 

Consent Script (use at the start of any intimate or touch-based practice)

“Before we begin, I will describe what will happen and who is present. Participation is voluntary; you may opt out at any time and the practice will stop. If you are unsure, please do not participate. This is a no judgement zone. Please say your name and ‘I consent’ if you agree to take part now.”

 

What happens next (published summary to share after a report is filed)

• Acknowledgement: A confirmation will be sent when a report is received.

• Triage: The Member Safety Group will assess urgency and recommend immediate protections if needed.

• Review: The group will gather facts, consult advisors when necessary, and propose outcomes.

• Outcome: Remedies may include mediation, temporary suspension, permanent removal, restitution, or referral to law enforcement. Non-identifying summaries of outcomes may be shared with the community.

 

Last updated: 10/5/25
Contact for policy questions: ringoflightfellowship@gmail.com