Group
Programs

Group Guidelines

1. We practice RESPECT.
• Respect for each other. Each of our lived experiences and perspectives is different.
• Respect for what is shared. We recognize that if something is being shared or discussed, it has intrinsic value. While it might not apply or feel important to us, we acknowledge the value it has to others.
• Respect for ourselves. We honour ourselves by regularly checking in on where we are at, what our needs are and we take actions to ensure they are met, including taking breaks, eating, drinking and self-soothing as needed.

2. We PARTICIPATE however feels good to us.
• This might look like sharing and discussing out loud or in the chat and messages.
• It might look like actively listening and reflecting on the conversation around us.
• Equally as important we can not participate or pass if it makes us feel uncomfortable. This could include keeping your camera off, staying muted, or taking a break from the group as needed.

3. We ensure PRIVACY.
• How we show up and what we share in group may not be how we meet the rest of the world and what we want shared with everyone in our lives. This is why we do not share information about other participants or what they share outside of group.
• If we run into other group members outside of group, we take extra care not to share that we know them from group and not to assume that the name or pronouns they use in groups are those that they use in other parts of their lives.

4. We use INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE.
• When we share, we ensure we use ‘I’ statements instead of ‘we’. We are all only experts in our own lived experience and can only speak for ourselves.
• We avoid oppressive and harmful language. This includes language that is homophobic, transphobic, racist and ableist among others.
• We use content warnings before sharing or discussing material that might be triggering to others to allow them the opportunity to pass on participating in that part of the conversation.


5. We agree to a SOBER SPACE.
• We agree that group spaces are sober spaces and that consumption of alcohol or drugs does not occur during group.
• We agree should individuals choose to smoke or vape during group that we will turn off our cameras to do so and not intentionally make reference to it.


6. We work together to GROW.
• We all agree to take accountability for our actions and learning.
• Should a group member use harmful language, omit trigger warnings or not follow any of the other guidelines, we use it as an opportunity to help grow as a group and as individuals by addressing it with them, explaining it and, if possible, offering solutions or alternatives.
• We help each other to grow using kind but firm language. We recognize that we are all in different places in our journeys and we meet people where they are at.