community agreement
Developed by Rebecca KellyG
There is One Mic : When a person is speaking, we allow them to complete their thought or idea.
Step Up for the Collective : In order to utilize the full talent of the team, we want to encourage every member to contribute. If you are one to lower your voice in a collective space, feel empowered to take space. If you are one who dominates a discussion, feel compelled to make space for others. Recognize when those around you communicate differently: gestures, movement, and written word are all examples of communication and should not be overlooked in conversation.
Knowledge and Experience : Every member of the collective can only speak based on their own knowledge and experience. Understand that your knowledge and experience may not line up with others’. Expect that anyone speaking can only be making reference to their own knowledge and experience. Our limited views combined are what make a fuller, more vibrant discussion.
We Speak in Drafts : When we speak we are writing in real time. Our thoughts are new and unpolished. We allow room for mistakes. If someone misspeaks, we can take the time to question what they are trying to say. If someone asks for clarification we can embrace that as an opportunity to edit our draft.
Intention : In entering into this agreement, we commit to removing harm from our intentions. We should never intend to cause distress. But it happens. When it does, we acknowledge that we cannot know the speaker’s intention, and therefore we cannot assume that the intention was to inflict pain.
Impact : Whatever our intention (however well-meaning), sometimes the impact of our words or actions cause harm or discomfort, in these moments, the priority is mitigating harm, not defending intentions. We can further discuss a comment or action to achieve reparation for the harm. We can utilize the resources of the Community Facilitator to resolve the conflict.
WAIT : Why Am I Talking? Is my contribution helpful or clarifying to the discussion? Does it help achieve the stated goals of the session? Have I deferred to those who do not usually have a platform? Am I aware of body language, agitation, or other signals of those around me? Have I taken a moment to collect my thoughts before contributing?
Listen to Understand : When someone is speaking, take the time to truly process what it is they are saying. If you don’t fully understand, take the time to ask questions and help them clarify their position. Before responding, allow yourself the time to process their words, the impact they have made, and clarify your own response.