Community Agreements

Assume good faith in each other. 

• Give people the benefit of the doubt, but don’t be afraid to challenge others when they say something you disagree with. 

• Assume good faith in each other. Ask clarifying questions like “did you mean X” or “what makes you say that” to get more information. 

• Encourage yourself and others to maintain a positive attitude, honor the work of others, avoid defensiveness, be open to legitimate critique and challenge oppressive behaviors in ways that help people grow. 

• We want to “call each other in” rather than calling each other out — in other words, if you are challenging someone's ideas or behavior, do it respectfully, and if you are being challenged, receive it respectfully. 

• Remember, mistakes will be made, nobody is perfect.

W.A.I.T. - Before speaking, ask yourself “Why Am I Talking?”

• While the internet is infinite, we all have limited capacity/time for discussion and engagement. 

• When in discussion, please ask yourself “What am I adding to the conversation?” If your thoughts have already been said, refrain from repeating them.

• Consider whether what you want to say is on topic or if there's a better time and place to say it, and other methods for showing how you feel about the conversation (nodding your head, 'liking' or reacting to others' posts, etc.) 

Please recognize and respect others feelings, background, and cultural differences

• Many people have different levels of experience, knowledge, and feelings in social justice and radical activism and all participants should respect and embrace this diversity. 

• Many people from different backgrounds have different definitions of what it means to be an “activist” or “radical.” While we all don’t have to agree on everything, we should respect our diversity of opinions. 

• Recognize that everyone has a piece of the truth, everybody can learn, and everybody has the ability to teach and share something. Please, refrain from using acronyms or complicated language that could exclude others, and be ready to explain your meaning in good faith if your comrades are confused.

Be respectful of diversity and difference

• Celebrate the diversity of our members and comrades and the richness of their cultures, backgrounds and experiences. Do not make any assumptions or judgments based on stereotypes or prejudices.

Be constructive and supportive. 

• Share your ideas, feedback and resources in a positive and helpful manner. Respect the purpose and goals of each channel and topic.

Use “I” Statements ​

• Speak from your perspective, rather than assuming that of other people. 

• Speak for yourself and from your own experience.

Be mindful of how you present yourself online

• It is important to organize to communicate online with members and beyond, know that it is different to interacting through voice or person to person, and some nuances may get lost in the digital space.

Step Up, Step Back 

• If you have opportunities in society to regularly express your thoughts, try to step back. If you don’t get to speak up often, we want you to feel comfortable stepping up to make your voice heard here.

• Help create a safe and inclusive space for everybody. Please respect others by recognizing how often, much, and loud you're speaking and whether or not you're dominating conversation. 

• Step back to leave space for others to voice their opinions and feelings. 

• If the facilitator of the meeting asks you to wrap up, recognize that you should step back. This especially applies to participants who have privileged backgrounds. On the other hand, if you don’t often speak up, we encourage you to do so now! 

One Diva, One Mic 

• Only one member may have the floor at a time. Please wait until the Chair recognizes you before speaking. This ensures every voice is heard clearly and that everyone can be involved in deliberations.

• Many of us will have different opinions on matters. However, speaking while others are talking or adding comments when they cannot respond appropriately does not build community. 

• If you have a disagreement, wait for your turn to address it. This is basic politeness. 

Listen (Don't Wait to Talk) 

• Genuinely pay attention to what others say

• Actively listen to others. When someone makes a point, repeat what you heard, and summarize. 

Be open and willing to learn. 

• Recognize that we are all here to build a better world for everyone. Do not assume that you know everything or that you are always right. 

• Listen to different perspectives and experiences and be open to feedback and criticism.

Please keep your per-server profile consistent with the name you introduce yourself with in meetings.

• It does not have to be your legal name, it can be a nickname.

Have a sense of humor

• Who said movement building can’t be fun?  This is a great opportunity for people to get to know one another, building lasting friendships and relationships, to laugh, love, and build a movement.