CONTEXT

Before starting The Slough Brewing Collective, the three current owners were all employees of Elkhorn Slough Brewing Company. Towards the end of Elkhorn’s run, each of us tried to take over the reins but could never find a way to make it work financially (anyone familiar with Santa Cruz county knows how incredibly unaffordable the area is) The three of us never set out to start a brewery together, and it wasn't until the previous owners suggested we partner up that we considered working together. Luckily, we shared similar morals, values and politics, so working together has been relatively easy. We also share a vision for what we hope to achieve by starting a brewery -- to create a gathering space for the community and a social platform for growth and change. Even though we do clash every so often, we've been able to overcome conflict, find resolutions and build on them. We’ve developed a relationship where we feel comfortable placing our trust in each other.

WHY COLLECTIVE?

The Slough would not have been possible without combining our resources, not just money and labor, but the knowledge and experience each member brings to the collective has had a huge impact in shaping our space. We operate knowing our strength comes from working together. So we operate through a non-hierarchical structure, weighing each other's voices equally while making space for our lived-experiences. Our decision-making process is consensus-based with much room for discussion so that when we move, we move as one. 

Our motto is Beer is People because we believe beer is more than just a beverage; it's the fruits of the labor of everyone involved in the process, from farm to glass. When we make decisions we make it with them in mind. 

VALUES

The goal of The Slough Brewing Collective is to cultivate a community gathering place and social platform for growth and change. As such, we place special value in the following:

I. Community.

Our approach to community is complicated and changes based on the needs of the communities we are a part of, and the feedback we receive from its members.

In Watsonville, we engage with local organizations that advocate for the community, the environment, and people that have been harmed and excluded by oppressive power structures; whether they are local, national or global. We work and share space with local organizations to ensure that we stay attuned to the goings-on of the city, and that we provide what support we can.

As a brewery, we are also a part of the beer industry, which has historically been dominated by cis-het white men. As a collective currently consisting of white and non-white men, and masculine presenting people, we benefit from the privileges afforded to men in this industry. We are committed to using our privilege to disrupt and dismantle the patriarchal foundations of the beer industry through our day-today actions. We commit to challenging men and others that uphold harmful beliefs and engage in harmful behaviors.

In both Watsonville and the greater beer industry, we work to cultivate diverse and inclusive spaces. We will provide equal opportunity for employment to all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation and identity, national origin, age, disability or any other status that has been historically excluded from access and representation. We will not discriminate based on socioeconomic, marital, parental or caregiver status, or the previously listed statuses. The Slough will prioritize the safety and comfort of people that have been excluded from, and harmed by, the beer industry and society at large. 

II. Education

The Slough is a space for anyone who has the capacity to teach and a willingness to learn. As brewers, we hope to impart our knowledge of brewing and beer to anyone willing to learn, and ultimately decentralize knowledge held within the beer industry, and empower others to seek their own path in the world of beer. 

We are also excited to host and share space with various organizations, so that we may all learn about topics we aren't normally exposed to. We understand that there are many things happening in the world and it can be overwhelming to engage. We hope to use our space as a way to connect people to resources and tools for growth. 

Education to us also means unlearning. Many of us have internalized toxic beliefs, attitudes and behaviors that stem from the greater culture of white supremacy and patriarchy that is deeply embedded in this country. We are determined to uproot that toxicity from our communities so that we may truly work towards inclusion. 

We’re all capable of change and growth, and we believe education is the first step towards that. 

III. Action

In a world that abounds with injustice, we believe that silence and neutrality is complicity. We follow up education with action because it's not enough to be aware. We must be actively fighting oppressive systems. 

While businesses typically maintain a passive role in their communities; The Slough works to be actively engaged in the community.

As a social platform for growth and change, our space is at the disposal of organizations and individuals committed to bringing about representation, change and justice for people that have been harmed and excluded by our society. 

We make sure that our values are reflected in all of the decisions we make as a collective. 

From messaging, to event planning, the ultimate goal is to build community, solidarity and mobilize for change. 

HIRING

We hope to ensure a diversity of identities at The Slough and build better representation in the beer industry. As such, we will make an effort to hire QTBIPOC, prioritizing people local to Watsonville and the greater Santa Cruz. area. We will provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and base hiring decisions on merit, competence and commitment to The Slough’s values.

Applicants are welcome to submit resumes and cover letters at any time and hiring managers will offer interviews to qualified applicants based on staffing needs. 

Whenever there is an opening for a front of house or back of house position, current employees will have the opportunity to apply first.

CODE OF CONDUCT:

The Slough Brewing Collective is committed to disrupting and dismantling the patriarchal foundations of the beer industry through our day-today actions. By prioritizing the safety and well-being of all peoples, particularly those who have been excluded from the beer industry, such as LGBTQ+ Black, Indigenous, People of Color and focusing on our three core values, Community, Education and Action, we hope to make necessary changes to the beer industry and achieve our goal of being a safe community gathering place and social platform for growth and change. 

As such, we do not tolerate behaviors or speech that are grounded in any form of bigotry; this includes, but is not limited to: racism, transphobia, misogyny, fatphobia, islamophobia and xenophobia. 

Language, such as jokes, stories, nicknames and so on, can be harmful regardless of intention, so we ask that all employees be mindful of the language they use around other employees, owners and guests. 

We also expect all staff members to be conscientious of how they take up space and the body language they use around guests and coworkers. Staff members, guests and vendors are expected to be able to respect the physical boundaries of the people around them. 

All people that come to The Slough are expected to drink responsibly. Drinking beer to the point that it impairs your ability operate a vehicle (i.e. automobiles, motorcycles or bicycles) or make safe decisions for yourself and others is highly discouraged and will be actively prevented by all staff on hand. 

Additionally, The Slough adheres to local, state and federal public health guidelines and mandates. We expect all staff, patrons and collaborators to follow the policies we enact to comply with public health guidelines while on our premises. 

Violations of our code of conduct could result in a temporary or indefinite ban. 

Respect boundaries.