In order to organize effectively in a community composed of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints, we must foster and build a space in which the same oppressive behaviors against which we are organizing are not present. The following community guidelines have been agreed upon by chapter membership to ensure a safe and productive space in which we can continue to build our movement in solidarity.
PROGRESSIVE STACK
Progressive Stack is a form of facilitation meant to uplift marginalized voices and allow for a diverse range of viewpoints. The stack taker keeps a list of those people who wish to speak, calling on them in turn. If someone wishes to speak, they indicate so to the stack taker, who may shift the order to prioritize voices from marginalized groups or those who have yet to speak.
MAKE SPACE, TAKE SPACE
When you speak, after you make your point, let others speak. Please respect others by recognizing how often, much, and loudly you’re speaking and whether or not you’re dominating the conversation. If the facilitator of the meeting asks you to wrap up, recognize that you should make space for others. This especially applies to participants from privileged backgrounds. If you don’t often speak up, try to make an attempt to participate, as your point of view will often benefit the discussion.
WAIT!: WHY AM I TALKING?
When in discussion, please ask yourself, “Why am I talking?” We have a limited amount of time for discussion and often limited time to accomplish the tasks before us. Consider whether what you want to say has already been said, whether what you want to say is on topic, and if there’s a better time and place to say it.
ASSUME GOOD FAITH
Not all comrades are friends, not all friends are comrades, and that’s ok. In order to achieve shared goals, we must assume that, unless we are shown demonstrable reason to presume otherwise, people willing to put in time, energy, effort, and resources are doing so in good faith and from honest intent.
MUTUAL RESPECT
Mutual respect invites us to see each other from a wider perspective, even when someone says something we disagree with or that offends us. Honor the space with constructive questioning and dialogue that progresses the conversation. One person speaks at a time. If you are challenging someone’s ideas or behavior, do it respectfully, and if you are being challenged, receive it respectfully.
RESPECT THE WORK
Organizers put a great deal of free time and emotional work into organizing for socialism. Organizers should always understand that chapter projects are collective projects operating with limited resources, and should seek to learn about prior work or background before making suggestions or criticisms. When making suggestions or criticisms, we should be respectful of groundwork that has already been done, recognize the tradeoffs that adjusting priorities might necessitate, and offer our labor where possible to achieve proposed goals.
I SPEAK FOR I
Speak from your perspective. Your experiences are valuable, but the conclusions drawn from them or even the experiences themselves are not necessarily universal. We don’t want to assume that everyone agrees with everything we are saying.
LISTEN ACTIVELY
Pay attention to what others say. Actively listen to others. If it is necessary to clarify someone’s point, repeat what you heard them say and summarize, then ask questions for clarity. Do not assume understanding without confirmation.
OWN YOUR MISTAKES
Acknowledge when you make a mistake. Remember, mistakes will be made — nobody is perfect. Recognize opportunities to forgive others for their mistakes.
