Community Ground Rules
Clearly articulated, mutually agreed upon principles are necessary to set the expectations for conversation. Ground rules are vital for creating a shared understanding of what the group is attempting to accomplish and how it will get there. Ground rules also remove the pressure off individuals to decode any unspoken norms (e.g., “Don’t be the first person to speak.”) that might be in play at any moment.
Community ground rules may include:
1.) Seek out multiple, conflicting perspectives. We are seeking a volume of ideas, not a consensus.
2.) No ideas are off the table, ignored, or untouchable.
3.) Treat others as individuals, not as representatives of any group.
4.) Everyone gets a do-over. Let people rephrase statements or questions if they don’t feel they got it right the first time.