All resources linked from the Human Relations toolkit pages:
Community Agreements #
Communication Skills #
- Feedback Skills for Anti-Racist Managers (Dragonfly Partners): practicing how to give feedback in a way that is helpful and sensitive to how it might be received.
- Direct Communication in the Context of Conflict (Dragonfly Partners): advice for communicating clearly and effectively to resolve workplace friction.
- From Conflict to Co-operation (Cooperatives UK): 5 short booklets cover the sources of conflict, communication skills, effective meetings and decision-making, etc., in the context of cooperative workplaces.
- In It Together: Tools for Conflict Resolution (Interrupting Criminalization & Dragonfly Partners): outlines practices for developing a healthy group culture of accountability, includes lots of supplementary learning resources and advice.
Sexual Harassment Policy #
- Sexual Harassment Policy lightly adapted from A Legal Guide to the Business of Farming in Vermont by Annette Higby.
- Example Model Sexual Harassment Policy (Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination) and Workplace Poster. Check your state government website for requirements in your jurisdiction.
- UC Davis has a helpful bilingual training pamphlet regarding sexual harassment.
Good Faith Negotiations #
- National Labor Relations Board legal definition of negotiating in good faith.
- For one farmer’s appreciations of negotiation and collective bargaining, see Jim Cochran on negotiating a union contract at Swanton Berry Farm.
Feedback & Evaluations #
- Feedback Skills for Anti-Racist Managers (Dragonfly Partners): practicing how to give feedback in a way that is helpful and sensitive to how it might be received.
- Real Talk Protocol (Soul Fire Farm): a one-to-one or group-based peer-review protocol for giving and receiving honest feedback.
- Direct Communication in the Context of Conflict (Dragonfly Partners): advice for communicating clearly and effectively to resolve workplace friction.
- 7 Tips for Making the Most of Your Check-ins (The Management Center): advice for holding “check-ins” with staff. While geared towards office workplaces, features a number of handy tips for check-ins with any employee.
- Conflict to Cooperation, Booklet 2: Communication skills (Cooperatives UK): outlines basic communication concepts and steps to improve communication and avoid misunderstandings arising from cultural or gender differences.
Conflict Resolution #
- USDA’s list of Ag Mediation Programs
- How To Vet A Mediator
- Conflict Resolution Guidelines (Olympia Food Coop): a simple, straightforward process shared in our Model Handbook for Employees. Easy to adopt and train your employees in.
- Courageous Conversation Protocol (Soul Fire Farm): a process for resolving differences and difficult feelings.
- Direct Communication in the Context of Conflict (Dragonfly Partners): advice for communicating clearly and effectively to resolve workplace friction.
- From Conflict to Co-operation (Cooperatives UK)
- In It Together: Tools for Conflict Resolution (Interrupting Criminalization & Dragonfly Partners)
- Defusing Conflict on the Farm: Between Co-workers (Gandhi Institute/YouTube)
- Defusing Conflict on the Farm: Between Employer and Employees (Gandhi Institute/YouTube)
Grievances #
- OSHA’s factsheet on their Whistleblower Protection Program and instructions for filing complaints
Discipline & Termination #
- Dismissal only for just cause (AJP Model Handbook)
- Sample Stepped Disciplinary Process, including a probationary period for the beginning of employment.