Where Does Campfire Culture End and Bonfire Party Begin?

Since its inception in Haiti in 2010, Team Rubicon has developed a culture that embodies a work hard, play hard mentality. It was as early as that first evening in Port-au-Prince when Jim Boynton pulled the team around a campfire and said, “Let’s reflect on today.” Someone offered an interpreter a handsome reward if he could find some cold beer, and thirty minutes later he emerged with a case of Presidente. Within moments the team settled in to drink a cold one, share the wins and losses, and decompress from a trying day. The tradition of the “beer flag” was born.

Now, over 8 years later we continue to embrace that tradition but remain guided by our “mission first” culture - work hard, play hard - in order. This isn’t always easy and takes commitment. As Greyshirts we have to own and maintain our legacy and understand that “play hard” is really about taking care of others and ourselves. It is a means to an end, not the end itself. We put service above self to help people on their worst day, and we are equally accountable not only for our measurable output of debris hauled and dollars spent versus saved, but for the way in which we execute that work. We are accountable to each other as teammates, to every donor who hands over one hard earned dollar to provide us the opportunity to execute our mission, and to the communities that we serve.

Team Rubicon has professionalized its approach to responding to disasters, and the rest of our behavior needs to evolve with it. “Campfire therapy” and hoisting the beer flag has been ingrained in TR’s culture from day 1, and preserving this privilege requires a common understanding. TR has grown from 8 to 80,000, and what was once an unspoken agreement now requires clear direction on where campfire culture ends, and a bonfire party begins.

We are all Greyshirts. Regardless of title or tenure, our actions may have consequences both for ourselves and the organization writ large. The responsibility to preserve our culture and safeguard this organization is collectively ours. By joining the team, you acknowledge and commit to the following:

My Commitments
- I am responsible for evolving with the organization to meet growing expectations, and I commit to moving on if I am unwilling to do so.
- I commit to speaking and acting in a way that reflects positively upon me, my teammates, and Team Rubicon. I will lead by example, and set the precedent for others in doing so.
- I understand that I am a leader and commit to intervening when I see other Greyshirts exhibiting behavior that could do themselves, others, or the organization harm.
- I will take ownership of my mistakes and commit to accepting any consequences that result from my behavior. I understand that my output, skill, or tenure have no bearing on these consequences.
- I commit to prioritizing impact over fun, but know they aren’t mutually exclusive.

General Behavior
-The number of Op patches I have received does not absolve me of Rule #1. I will treat everyone I encounter, Greyshirt or not, with the same level of respect, regardless of position, background, or experience.
-Team Rubicon is a professional organization. I will approach my participation within Team Rubicon with the same rigor as I would any professional job or affiliation.
-Team Rubicon is a fishbowl with many eyes looking in and nowhere to hide. I will always act in a way that I’d be comfortable having displayed on the front page or a lead story in the national news.

Alcohol Consumption
- I will not allow the consumption of alcohol to interfere with my ability to do my job. Period. I will moderate my consumption to ensure I am ready to kick ass the following day.
- I understand that my behavior under the influence of alcohol may affect my credibility, which in turn affects my ability to do my job even if I am sober enough to function the next day. I won’t be sloppy.
- I understand that the consumption of alcohol is a privilege while at Team Rubicon events and that any immature actions I take may jeopardize this liberty for tens of thousands of volunteers who act responsibly. I won’t be the one that screws it up.

Sexual Harassment and Romantic Relationships
- Team Rubicon is not a breeding ground for flirtatious behavior, crude jokes, or unwanted sexual advances. I understand that it is my responsibility to not make other people uncomfortable with my behavior, and that no two people have the same comfort level. If I’m told that I’ve crossed a line, I’ll respect that person’s wishes and apologize. Continuing to cross the line would be a violation of Rule #1 and won’t be tolerated.
- I understand that any consensual romantic relationships I engage in with other members of Team Rubicon may have unintended impacts. Relationships can fuel speculation of favoritism or double standards; they can also jeopardize group dynamics if they go south. I will do my best to ensure any romantic relationships I maintain do not violate any TR policies, that my actions at TR events avoid fueling negative perceptions and will notify my leadership if there is any potential conflict of interest (ie., a direct reporting relationship).

What’s at Stake? Everything
- I understand that I may be sent home from any TR event immediately if alcohol directly interferes with my ability to my job, including being too hungover to function, getting sick as a result, not being sober enough to operate equipment, etc.
- I understand that if I am accused of sexual harassment or assault that I will be immediately separated from the accuser and barred from further contact until a review is completed. I understand that Team Rubicon will notify the police if a crime is suspected of having been committed.
- I understand that my participation status and/or employment may be terminated pending an investigation and review of any violation of the above.