Working agreements – Milwaukee Monthly Meetings

WORKING AGREEMENTS

Creating a space where people can feel free to participate is important. These are some working agreements and principles that FORGE meetings operate under. We often will begin meetings by asking people what will help them feel more comfortable sharing and participating in that nights meeting.  Working agreements are fluid, shifting and responding to those present at each meeting.

  1. Confidentiality / Privacy
  2. Use “I” statements
  3. One person / one mic
  4. Move up / move back
  5. Oops and ouch (and snap)
  6. People can choose to be quiet / Participation is voluntary
  7. We are more than our gender (or any one identity/component)
  8. Speak about own experiences – please do not talk about others not in the room
  9. Criticism-free zone – no hurtful or negative comments about individuals or agencies
  10. In this support-centered space, everyone has an equal voice
  11. Respect different backgrounds, experiences, and identities
  12. Remember we all have trauma