Agreement on behavioral attitudes to abide by between ourselves:
- Racism, as well as ageism, homophobia, sexism, transphobia, ableism or prejudice based on ethnicity, nationality, class, gender, gender presentation, language ability, asylum status or religious affiliation is unacceptable and will be challenged.
- Respect each other’s physical and emotional boundaries, always get explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing boundaries.
- Be aware of the space you take up and the positions and privileges you bring, including racial, class and gender privilege.
- Avoid assuming the opinions and identifications of other participants.
- Recognise that we try not to judge, put each other down or compete.
- Be aware of the language you use in discussion and how you relate to others. Try to speak slowly and clearly and use uncomplicated language.
- The group endeavours as much as is feasible to ensure that meeting spaces are as accessible as possible to the widest range of people.
- Foster a spirit of mutual respect: Listen to the wisdom everyone brings to the group.
- Give each person the time and space to speak. In large groups, or for groups using facilitation: Raise your hand to speak.
- “Respect the person; challenge their behavior.”
- If someone violates these agreements a discussion or mediation process can happen, depending on the wishes of the person who was violated. If a serious violation happens to the extent that someone feels unsafe, they can be asked to leave the space and/or speak with a person or process nominated by those present.
- Whilst ground rules are collective responsibility, everyone is also personally responsible for their own behavior.
