Respectful Relationships and Conflict Resolution

WWOOF often involves encounters between people from different cultures, ages, and social backgrounds. Misunderstandings can occur, and we all learn along the way. Sharing everyday life with strangers requires particular care in communication and setting clear boundaries from the start. With that in mind, we believe it’s helpful for our members to understand certain things to manage these encounters in a mutually respectful and rewarding way. These include:

WWOOF is largely built on a trust-based system where members rely on each other to act respectfully, honestly, and in accordance with WWOOF’s guidelines. All members make themselves vulnerable by being open to new learning experiences and personal development. By setting clear boundaries early on, members can avoid potentially negative situations. Respect for others is essential to maintaining an environment that supports this community-based exchange.

Hosts have a particular responsibility toward WWOOFers, as they depend on the host for guidance, accommodation, food, and sometimes even transport. Additionally, hosts often take on a teaching role, which creates a power imbalance and increased vulnerability for the WWOOFer.

Definitions of Harassment

General Harassment
Harassment is persistent unwanted or unwelcome attention that is disturbing or intrusive. It is not limited to sexual situations all forms are unacceptable. This includes unwanted teasing, displays of affection, touching, flirtatious or sexual behavior, discussions about personal relationships or sexual preferences, or other persistent demands for someone’s attention. Non-verbal harassment is also included, such as distributing, displaying, or discussing written or visual material or making gestures that mock, demean, or show hostility toward an individual or group.

Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment includes any form of unwanted conversation, attention, or physical contact of a sexual nature from a member, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
Sexual harassment may involve exploiting someone who does not feel comfortable speaking up. It is important that everyone is aware of their role and how it affects others. Everyone is responsible for contributing to a safe, conscious, and consent-based community.
Special caution is required in relationships where a power imbalance exists, such as between student/teacher or WWOOFer/host. In such situations, sexual advances should be considered inappropriate, regardless of whether consent has been expressed.

Identity-Based Harassment
This occurs when someone repeatedly and unwelcome refers to a person’s identity. This can involve, but is not limited to, age, class, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, language, nationality, disability, body type, gender identity or expression, marital status, or other protected status. Excusing the behavior by saying “it was just a joke” does not make it acceptable.

Language Use and Inclusion
WWOOF is about encounters between people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Speaking a language not understood by everyone present especially if it is perceived as intentional, can feel excluding and create a power imbalance. It may also lead to uncertainty, misunderstandings, and distrust.
To promote openness, transparency, and inclusion, it is important to use a common language in conversations where both hosts and WWOOFers participate, as far as possible. If translation is needed, it should be provided so that everyone feels included. Awareness of language use is an important part of creating a safe and respectful environment where everyone has the opportunity to participate on equal terms.

Conflict Resolution Protocol
(This protocol does not apply to sexual harassment that may constitute a crime.)
WWOOF encourages anyone subjected to a criminal sexual act to report it to the police and to contact WWOOF Admin at info@wwoof.se as soon as possible. In most cases, this results in the immediate suspension of the offending member.

Resolving Conflicts Between Members
Harassment that is not of a criminal nature can sometimes be resolved through cooperation. WWOOF members live closely together, and it’s normal for differences to arise. We should strive to be aware and respectful, but we are all human, and mistakes happen. Not every incident leads to membership termination.
If you are experiencing harassment, speak up. The best thing is to talk directly to the person involved, but that’s not always possible. Someone already showing disrespect may not listen, or you may feel you have no room to speak. If you cannot speak directly to the person, talk to someone in a position of responsibility where you are. If that doesn’t work, contact WWOOF Admin.

If you witness harassment, you can:

• Confront the harasser if you feel it is safe and won’t escalate the situation.
  
• Distract by introducing a new topic or activity.
  
• Stay present and follow up with the person who was targeted. Show support, harassment is often an isolating experience.
  
• If the conflict does not resolve, report the incident to WWOOF Admin: info@wwoof.se
  

If someone tells you that you have harassed someone, listen and try to understand their experience. Reflect on your own behavior and whether it aligns with the definitions above. If it does, do your best to change your behavior and make amends to those affected.

Reporting Harassment to WWOOF
If the parties involved cannot resolve the issue themselves, they should contact WWOOF Admin: info@wwoof.se
All reports of harassment are taken very seriously and must not be dismissed. Harassment is believed to be underreported, and anyone who speaks up about an incident or pattern should be taken seriously.
A person found to have harassed someone else cannot expect confidentiality. WWOOF will not protect the harasser. Other WWOOF members may be warned if needed.
WWOOF Admin reserves the right to terminate the membership of anyone who behaves inappropriately. If a suspended person attempts to rejoin WWOOF without permission, this may result in legal action.