Community Agreements
The Community Democracy Project is committed to maintaining spaces free of harassment and oppressive power dynamics. The following community agreements are the core of our code of conduct:
Be Curious: Respect and listen to others’ ideas. Ask questions and strive to understand before criticizing.
Move Up, Move Up: If you find yourself speaking a lot, take some time to listen and leave space for others. If you find yourself withholding your thoughts, speak up and share your wisdom.
Be Aware of Time: Others in the space are dedicating their time to be present; in order to respect that, the facilitator may need to end or redirect conversations in certain circumstances.
We can't be articulate 100% of the time: and that's okay!
Individually we know a little; Together we know a lot: Each person in the space brings a unique perspective and skillset. Building collective knowledge amplifies our individual knowledge and makes the sum greater than the parts.
Recognize impact vs intent: Acknowledge that what you say may impact others in ways you do not intend. Give others the benefit of the doubt with regard to their intentions when you are negatively impacted by what is said
One Diva, One Mic: In general only one person in a group should be speaking at a time, especially if the facilitator is keeping stack.
Communicate for Community: Help us create equitable space for all by being open to criticism and speaking up if something doesn’t feel right (on your behalf or another's).
Accountability Policy
If someone or something is or has been uncomfortable or upsetting for you, we want to know. We will make space for discussion. We will think critically about any incident so that we can support growth and learning without tolerating harassment and oppressive power dynamics.
The accountability committee exists to help facilitate discussion, investigation, and restoration. When necessary, they may suggest boundaries for the group to adopt, which will be voted on by members.
Volunteers on the accountability committee welcome you to contact them with any concerns. They are available to have a confidential conversation, or to initiate a group discussion. If you wish to report a violation of our community agreements or codes of conduct, the accountability committee will review your report and keep a record. Investigative steps may be taken and may lead to further action. The reporter will always be kept in the loop and requests for confidentiality will be considered and respected.
Accountability Toolbox:
Confidential reports can be sent directly to any CDP member who will share it with the appropriate committee members. You can also report by emailing communitydemocracyproject@gmail.com.
During any meeting, any attendee may call a “vibes check.”
A vibes check consists of a go-around in which each attendee is invited to check in about how they are feeling and why. While anyone can call a vibes check, the 2nd facilitator is tasked with maintaining awareness of group dynamics.