Guardian
Groundrules
What: Guardian is a free weekly social gathering of gay/bi/curious/questioning
men ages 18-29. It's a part of our tradition that we make and
eat a free dinner together. We are an open discussion group
with no fees or registration required.
When: Every Monday, 6:30pm to 9:00pm
Where: 4169 Laclede in the Central West End (63108)
Free curbside parking
Once
a year, Guardian renews our ground rules for how we agree to
interact with each other. This detailed explanation outlines
our expectations so that new and returning members alike feel
comfortable and welcome at our events and discussions. The Ground
rules are briefly reviewed before each discussion.
Groundrules
last renewed via consensus agreement at a Guardian Discussion
in October, 2006
1.
Turn cellphones to vibrate/off: This protects the integrity
of our conversations and minimizes distractions.
2.
Try to start/end discussions as scheduled. We have busy lives
and it is respectful to start and end on time.
3.
Participate or pass: Everyone is encouraged to participate,
but you always have the right to pass. This even includes introductions.
If you choose to pass, we simply ask that you reflect on why
you are passing.
4.
Come to discussions sober. This includes no drugs or alcohol
in or on our body.
5.
Ouch/Oops. Sometimes we get into heated discussions or sometimes
people say things that rub us the wrong way. If you are offended
by something said, you have the ability to say "ouch"
and explain the offense. The other person also has the right
to say "oops," to apologize and/or to clarify.
6.
Confidentiality. We each have persmission to discuss the topics
and ideas presented at discussions, but not the persons who
attend.
7.
Be open-minded; lean into discomfort. Sometimes our greatest
times of learning occur when we are most uncomfortable. Similar
to our groundrule about passing, if something said makes you
uncomfortable, we ask that you think about it. Sometimes sitting
with our discomfort may bring greater understanding.
8.
Step up / Step Down: Share the floor. If you are typically a
person who speaks a lot, challenge yourself to listen more and
speak less to make room for voices who are less heard. If you
are a person who is shy and speaks less, we encourage you to
"lean into discomfort" and speak more.
9.
Respect others
* Stay in room whenver possible to respect those who are speaking.
* Be attentive
* Limit side conversations.
10.
Use "I" statements. Saying blanket statements or generalizations
may not apply to everyone. Saying "I think..., or I feel..."
guarantees that you are speaking from your own experience and
decreases that chance that you are labeling others.
11.
Address problems in the discussion or outside the discussion
as soon as possible. Letting something fester will only hinder
communication and our ability to have a great conversation together.
12.
Be Honest.
