Community Agreements

These are a set of a agreements adapted from the Institute for the Study of Somatic Sex Education. Please read through them and type your name in the comments so that we know you have agreed to them. If you have any amendments or additions, you can also write them in the comments. This is a working document, which we can add to/change as we need.

• Confidentiality. Speak from your own experience, without describing the experience of others. Keep names of who is here anonymous unless they have given you explicit permission to share.
• Open heart. Re-spect (see with new eyes). Deep listening.
• Make this a place of safety for diverse people, holding others in a net of goodwill with a commitment to justice.
• Make this a place of learning and growth (which means we get uncomfortable, but not unsafe).
• Unity. Attention to and care of the circle. We co-create this cauldron by paying attention to each person and to the group as a whole (not judging and characterizing others, not forming new couple bonds).
• No fixing, advising or setting each other straight. Honoring each person’s inner wisdom and process. All emotions are welcome and do not need to be justified or explained.
• Individual difference is welcome and celebrated, including all gender identities and sexual orientations. We also welcome and celebrate diverse bodies, allegiances, communities and cultures.
• Temple time. Make sacred space in the place and in our interactions. No texting. No recording. Keep it clean and tidy. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude for each other, for place, and for your own courage in being here.
• Yes, No, Maybe and “I changed my mind” are all welcome responses. You are your own authority. Take responsibility for self-care. If you agree to do something, it’s not a contract. You can change your mind at any time and choose whether or not to participate in any exercise. Tend to your body first.
• Celebrate mistakes! Together we fly! Together we dive!