== Ground Rules == ==== No personal attacks ==== Help build an environment where ideas can be fiercely debated and critiqued while individuals feel safe and supported ==== Use I statements ==== If you are having a reaction talk about what's happening with you, not about the person that might be triggering it ==== Avoid interrupting others ==== There's no reason to interrupt someone to make a counter point. If someone seems to be going off topic or derailing the conversation, interrupt with a question asking them how their point fits in with what is happening in the meeting. ==== No shouting ==== No explanation needed. ==== Step up or step back ==== Adjust your participation. If you are dominating the conversation, make room for others to participate; if you are not participating step up or report that you are having trouble so we can address any problems in the group. ==== Shared goal ==== Despite all of our own individual agendas, we're here to build May First/People Link. Stay focussed on this shared goal. ==== When in doubt, listen and ask constructive questions ==== If you are not sure what to do, try asking a question. Don't make any assumptions that you know what anyone means, even with words that are commonly used. ==== Support the facilitator ==== Let facilitator do the facilitator's job. ==== Stay on topic ==== Respect the group and pay attention to what's being discussed.