🫱🏾‍🫲🏼 Our Gathering Agreements

When gathering with fellow humans, there is always a chance that we will collide. I offer these gathering agreements as a living agreement between participants to aid in the creation of safer, more compassionate spaces.

*Rooted Respite’s Conversation Norms inspired some of these agreements

1. Be Human 🤸🏽

Engage in a way that aligns with your processing/communication needs and where you find yourself energy-wise. That includes having video on or off, sound, chat, emojis, or just listening in. All are welcome!

2. Meet Your Needs 🧘🏽‍♂️

Humans also have needs! We encourage you to be comfortable and supported in this space. If some objects or needs will make your time with us more supportive, please meet those needs. Refill your water bottle, go to the bathroom, get that blanket that’s across the room.

We welcome all energy levels whether you’re chatty or needing to be off-camera.

3. Make Space, Take Space 🧑🏽‍🚀

Consider whether you are an introvert or extrovert to help make space for all to speak and contribute in their preferred ways. If you notice you’re speaking a lot, try making space for someone who hasn’t spoken and would like to. If you are hesitant to speak in group settings, we invite you to take up space by sharing your thoughts and insights in whatever way is comfortable for you. This can be verbal or written in the chat.

*for the purposes of making space for more folks during shorter sessions, we might ask that you stay on mute and use the chat for questions and commentary.

4. Be Mindful, Be Present 🧙🏼‍♀️

We do our best to provide follow-up notes or recordings after sessions to make sure you can feel good staying present.

In the event that your words/actions cause harm, we will consider the intent of what was said/done but determine the next course of action based on the impact.

5. Stories Stay; Lessons Leave. 👨🏼‍🏫

In our workshops, we may discuss specific strategies or information about other organizations or activists. Please be respectful and do not share anything that could be considered proprietary or not for public release.

We are also growing and learning and understanding what you learn here should be taken and shared to support our movement. Feel free to share what you’ve learned. Just remember the simple rule, do not share stories that are not yours to tell.

An Approach Rooted in Empathy

We use storytelling to build connection and belonging that leads to lasting social change.