Discussion Logistics:
Remember:
Discussion Guidelines:
These guidelines were developed from a wide variety of existing documents and recommendations.
- Stay muted until the moderator signals that it is your turn to speak.
- Use the "raise hand" feature of the platform to indicate you would like to contribute.
- The chat may be used freely, so long as it adheres to the discussion guidelines.
- Discrimination, abuse, and harassment will not be tolerated.
- All discussions are confidential. Notes, blog posts, and any other media generated from these discussions will omit identifying information, unless we are given explicit permission to include it. Participants agree to this confidentiality.
Remember:
- We are not experts. Our goal is to learn together, as a group.
- We will all experience discomfort.
- We will all make mistakes.
- All experiences are valid; everyone's perceptions are true for them.
Discussion Guidelines:
- Be respectful.
- Do not ask an individual to speak for a group of people.
- Approach everything with a sense of curiosity; be willing to learn from others.
- Listen actively; don't just think about what you are going to say.
- Do not interrupt.
- Speak from your own experience, using "I" statements instead of "they, we, you, etc."
- Criticize ideas, rather than people.
- Practice self-awareness in your verbal and body language.
- Notice your reactions, especially defensiveness. Use this as a starting point for reflection and education.
- Assume positive intent and demonstrate empathy.
- Remember that impact matters; be mindful of your words and avoid inflammatory, judgemental, accusatory, or dismissive language.
- Do not make assumptions or generalizations.
- Be mindful of how much time you are using; folks tend to tune out after as little as 40 seconds.
- Allow everyone who wants to the chance to contribute.
- Keep comments on-topic and limit side conversations.
- Take breaks when needed.
- Avoid "shutting down" or "closing off", both outwardly and inwardly.
- Share your thoughts, even if you think others may not agree or like them.
- Ask for help and clarification. We don't know what we don't know!
- Hold each other accountable to these guidelines.
These guidelines were developed from a wide variety of existing documents and recommendations.