Rise & Reclaim Advocacy Group exists to support individuals who have experienced abuse within religious institutions abuse with dignity, care, and integrity. This Code of Ethics outlines the shared values and ethical commitments that guide how RRAG staff and volunteers show up: for survivors, for one another, and for the communities RRAG staff and volunteers serve.

This guide is intended as a living framework, shaped by ongoing dialogue, learning, and accountability.

• Survivors are the experts of their own experiences.

• RRAG staff and volunteers prioritize survivor autonomy, consent, and agency in all interactions.

• RRAG staff and volunteers do not pressure survivors to disclose, relive, or “perform” their trauma.

• RRAG staff and volunteers respect survivors’ timelines, boundaries, and choices, even when they differ from our own beliefs or expectations.

• RRAG staff and volunteers approach all work through a trauma-informed lens.

• RRAG staff and volunteers actively work to avoid re-traumatization, coercion, saviorism, or exploitation. RRAG staff and volunteers recognize that good intentions do not eliminate harm, and Rise & Reclaim takes reports of harm, boundary violations, or ethical concerns seriously.

• When harm occurs, we are committed to transparent, timely, and appropriate responses that center impacted individuals, uphold this Code of Ethics, and maintain organizational integrity. Responses may include review by leadership or the board, steps toward repair, changes to roles or access, and other actions deemed necessary to protect survivors, the community, and the organization. 

• RRAG staff and volunteers treat survivor stories, data, and communications as confidential unless explicit, informed consent is given. 

  1. Confidential information and/or Personal Identifiable Information (PII) is stored in a secure, access-restricted system

  2. Access to confidential information or PII is limited to only those staff or volunteers directly involved in the relevant case or support work

• RRAG staff and volunteers do not share identifying information without permission.

• RRAG staff and volunteers are transparent about how information may be used and respect the right to withdraw consent at any time.

RRAG staff and volunteers must maintain clear personal, emotional, financial, and professional boundaries with survivors, clients, partners, and one another to protect survivor safety, trust, and organizational integrity.

This includes:

• Professional scope: Interactions must remain focused on RRAG-related services only. Staff and volunteers may not present themselves as legal, medical, or therapeutic providers unless explicitly authorized by RRAG.

• Personal & emotional boundaries: Romantic, sexual, or intimate relationships with individuals seeking or receiving RRAG services are prohibited. Sexualized communication, requests for intimacy, or actions that create dependency or blur roles are not permitted.

• Financial boundaries: Staff and volunteers may not solicit or accept money, gifts, favors, or services from survivors, or provide personal financial assistance outside RRAG-approved programs. Any exceptions must be disclosed and approved by RRAG leadership.

• Power & conflicts of interest: Staff and volunteers must avoid exploiting power dynamics and disclose any real or perceived conflicts of interest. Individuals must recuse themselves when objectivity or safety could be compromised.

• Communication & accountability: RRAG-approved communication channels must be used, and boundary concerns or violations should be reported to leadership or the Board without fear of retaliation.

• RRAG staff and volunteers will uphold integrity, ethical standards, and transparency in our finance, partnerships and public communication by:

  • Maintaining accurate and timely financial records

  • Operating in accordance with organizational policies and board oversight

  • Complying with all applicable local, state, and federal laws

  • Communicating honestly and responsibly with our community, partners, and the public

• RRAG staff and volunteers take responsibility for our actions and the impact they have.

• When harm occurs, RRAG staff and volunteers commit to listening, repairing where possible, and learning, rather than becoming defensive or dismissive. RRAG will address reports of harm through a neutral and good-faith review process, which may involve leadership, the board, or a designated committee, and will follow documented grievance or accountability procedures.

• RRAG staff and volunteers treat all individuals with respect, dignity, and compassion.

• RRAG staff and volunteers maintain zero tolerance for harassment, bullying, discrimination, or aggression. All individuals are expected to engage with one another in ways that uphold dignity, respect, and safety.

• RRAG staff and volunteers strive to create a culture where concerns can be raised without fear of retaliation.

• RRAG staff and volunteers recognize that abuse and harm intersect with race, gender identity, sexuality, disability, class, faith, and culture.

• RRAG staff and volunteers commit to ongoing learning, unlearning, and humility.

• RRAG staff and volunteers listen to perspectives different from our own and avoid assuming a single narrative or solution fits all survivors.