Our Ways of Being
1. Practice Empathy: Accept that others’ beliefs may have been shaped by a different life experience than your life experience, and they might not align with your beliefs. No matter who they are or what position they may hold. Their beliefs don’t have to trigger you unless you allow it.
2. Bring courageous curiosity to dialogues: Turn up the volume on your curiosity. Practice deep listening, which requires temporarily suspending judgment and making space to receive new information. Ask questions to deepen understanding. 3. Make Space, Take Space: Pay attention to who is speaking. Privilege often shows up by who feels affirmed to speak in each space. Make room for those who need space, and take up space where you need to join the conversation. |
4. Assume best intentions and attend to impact: We’ve been taught not to assume and yet, it’s important to keep a perspective that everyone is participating to deepen their own learning and understanding. To attend to impact, means to name the harm that may come from our ignorance and to be accountable to one another.
5. Take the Lessons, Leave the Details: This work is personal, and we invite people to bring their personal experiences and stories into the Symposium. For confidentiality, we ask participants to share their learning with others, but leave names and identifying details out of their sharing with others. 6. Take Care of Self and Community: Take what you need to learn, which includes breaks and nourishment. We also ask that we care for one another. If you see someone in the community that needs support, take notice and offer care. We are responsible for the wellness of one another. 7. Be Present: We ask that you bring your full attention to each session. We ask that phone calls, text messages and/or emails be done outside of the workshop space. Honor the work of your colleagues through your attention and presence. |
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