Circles Code of Conduct

To create a safe space for everyone to learn and grow, all Circle attendees must abide by the guidelines below. If the session facilitator determines any participant is in violation of the Code of Conduct, they may be asked to leave the session.  

• Please silence your device notifications and be present during the entire session.
• Address one another with dignity, respect and maintain an openness to learn from and about one another.
• Do not make generalizing statements or assumptions about others; speak only from your own experience and perspective.
• Not everyone will be comfortable sharing their own experiences and everyone is entitled to their privacy. Everything should be optional and make sure to give content warnings before launching into any sensitive topics. Do what you need to do to take care of your own physical and emotional needs, while maintaining respect and safety for others in your Circle.
• Be aware of the amount of space you take up. Allow all group members adequate space to contribute and be mindful not to interrupt one another. Move up or move back: everyone’s voice is valuable. If you’re someone who tends to not speak a lot, please move up into a role of speaking more. If you tend to speak a lot, please move up into a role of listening more.
• Do not assume the gender or attraction identity of anyone in the group. Share your own pronouns and ask for others’ pronouns before assuming. When discussing someone whose pronouns you are unsure of, use they/them pronouns. Respect the name and pronouns that folks report. A reminder that these names and pronouns may be different to the ones they use with other staff and in other office spaces.
• Unless you have the expressed consent of the group member, anything shared within the group is entitled to confidentiality.
• Do not share another member’s personal experiences outside of the group. If you speak to others about your experience, only talk about what you got out of it, and no specifics or identifiable information about people. (example, don’t tell people, Veronica said she cried three times last week. Instead, a few people talked about how they cried multiple times last week and it was really validating for me).
• If you harm someone, even if it is unintentional, be willing to apologize authentically, listen, and learn to change your behaviour.
• Consider the difference between intent and impact.
• When speaking, substitute “and” for “but.” For example, “yes, and…” This practice acknowledges and honors multiple realities.
• Speak from personal experience (e.g.: use “I statements”) and refrain from giving advice unless asked to do so by someone.
• Practice mindful listening: Try to avoid planning what you’ll say as you listen to others. Be willing to be surprised, to learn something new. Listen with your whole self. Minimize multitasking.