Support Group Conduct checklist

This checklist is ideally reviewed and acknowledged verbally by the group before a given support meeting starts!

• Listen to and follow the facilitator when in an open meeting
• Be inclusive and mindful of attendees' accessibility needs:
• Noise level - are people hard of hearing or sensitive to loud noises?
• Space needs - are there ramps, public transit options, etc.?
• Language - English may not be everyone's first language
• Ask people their pronouns to allow them to self-identify rather than assuming.
• Be respectful of people's different levels of experience / education
• Try not to use jargon where possible, like acronyms -- say or explain the full word
• If the group is large, encourage / explain hand signals to communicate 
• Use nonviolent language:
• Don't speak for other people or groups, use 'I' statements and speak from your own experience instead
• Don't blame & shame, including yourself or others.
• Pay attention to how much you're talking: challenge yourself to 'step in' and speak, or conversely, 'step back' and listen, giving other people time to speak
• When considering what to share in response to others' lives, be mindful about whether you're offering emotional validation or advice. If it's advice, it's better to frame it in the form of "I" statements & what worked for you.
• Respect confidentiality:
• In order for people to feel comfortable opening up, they have to trust you won't share what they told you outside the group
• Don't "out" people in public by announcing where you met them, just in case
• Use short feedback loops:
• If an interaction feels negatively charged in any way with someone, and you feel safe to, you're encouraged to approach them quickly afterwards and check in about it
• Keep conflict offline as much as possible and do not publicize it - talk to a facilitator or moderator if needed
• Reciprocity goes a long way:
• Everyone here is a volunteer! Donate (if possible) for any food and room provided, and help to tidy the space if at an in person event (if able). You are welcome regardless. <3 
• If you don’t know what tasks there are available to help with, feel free to ask a facilitator
• Take continuous responsibility for yourself:
• Keep an eye on your inner emotional state and be aware of the impact of it on yourself and others. Reach out for support if need be! The topic can always be changed, too.