As participants we agree to:
Listen Actively.
- Respect others when they are talking.
- Engage from a place of compassion, keeping an open heart.
Replace Judgment with Curiosity.
- Keep an open mind.
Be Mindful of Intent and Impact.
- Anticipate how words may be heard and participate with positive intent.
Be Intellectually Curious.
- Ask clarifying questions to make sure we understand other points of view.
- Move conversation forward as opposed to shutting it down.
- Seek first to understand, then to be understood.
Respectfully Challenge Ideas, Not People.
- Offer a challenge as "I disagree with that thought/idea" versus "I disagree with you.”
Share Our Time and Space.
- Be aware of balance in our own and other’s participation; step up or step back as appropriate.
- Respect our limited time together, helping to ensure focused attention on our agenda and discussions.
Share Our Own Experiences and Opinions with “I” Statements, rather than generalizing with “we” or “they” comments.
- Do not generalize beyond yourself. Do not speak for others.
Prepare to Be “Unsettled” and Pushed Out of Our Comfort Zones.
- Expect and accept discomfort and joy as part of the learning process.
- Value opportunities to be “unsettled” by ideas and thoughts.
If at any time you feel you cannot participate according to these agreements, please contact the facilitator for support.
We will understand participation to mean assent to these norms.