Back to Blog
Show up and be present - requires participants to set aside concerns and distractions and be as present as they are able.ġ1. This includes enjoying and having fun during the process.ġ0. Personal accountability - agrees that participants, for the most part, can take charge of their own needs (taking stretch and bathroom breaks, making themselves physically comfortable, asking for help when they need it, and so forth). Give it a try - includes agreements about trying out experiences and activities that are new and/or uncomfortable in a safe environment.ĩ. It helps participants to speak the truth and not spread misinformation about "them," "you," or "us."Ĩ. I-statements - are ways for people to speak for themselves and their own experiences when talking and not to speak for others unless asked to. An agreement in this area shows respect and opens the door for people to express feelings.ħ. Feelings happen - acknowledges that people may experience feelings such as hurt, sadness, boredom, or anger at some time in the group. Respectful listening - includes the expectation that the group will listen with attention to someone who is sharing and that only one person talks at a time.Ħ. Right to pass - supports people who don’t want to talk in a group without asking them to explain themselves.ĥ. Putting one’s self down might look like, "Well, this probably isn't important, but …" or "This may sound stupid, but…"Ĥ. Put-ups, not put-downs - aims to eliminate behaviours that may insult, make fun of, minimize, or attack other people in the group or themselves. When members have relationships outside the group, amnesty agreements help to encourage people to share the truth without fear of blame or judgement down the road.ģ. Amnesty - is a companion to confidentiality and means that confidentially shared information isn’t used against others during or after the group. Often groups agree that what is said or done in the group, stays in the group and is not repeated outside of the group without permission.Ģ. Confidentiality - covers issues about what is shared outside the group. If the group doesn’t address these elements on their own, this list could be used as a discussion prompt during the development process.ġ. While agreements need to be generated by the participants themselves, the following outlines 11 common elements that promote a safe group environment. As a bonus, it helps leaders and facilitators deal with any challenging behaviours that arise. There are a variety of ways to establish group agreements that allow each member to have a stake in the group environment and the outcomes. It is, however, a powerful piece of prevention that can help make a group experience successful. Many people skip over this step when working with groups whether in a short term event or long term setting like a classroom. Everyone shares the responsibility for the experience and once developed, a group can regularly re-visit the agreements to see if they are still working and make changes if issues come up. They serve as a set of clear, co-created guidelines to help participants feel comfortable with each other in an atmosphere of safety, respect and trust. Group agreements ( not rules! ) help to create safe and caring spaces that will enhance any group activity.
0 Comments
Read More
Leave a Reply. |