Ground Rules For A Safe Learning Environment

(Consider using them with donors/staff/volunteers as well)

What you hear here stays here. It's ok to speak with others about your reactions and stories. Get an ok from anyone else before speaking about his or her comments, issues, and issues.
It's ok to pass and actively observe. No reason needed. Boundary setting is your responsibility. Take good care of yourself.
Listen and react to each other's stories, trusting the other person's good intentions. Believe that this group is a safe place and is out to do you good.
Give each other permission to make "human errors" and recover as we pioneer and risk together.
Be alert for cherished mistaken certainties and laugh about them while seeking ways to make the other person right.
Speak from "I want," "I feel," and "I request," and not "You should" or "You Always".
Let go of blame, shame and faultfinding. Look for win/win's.
Ruthlessly guard the 51% vote on your self-esteem. Be open to feedback from others and at the same time trust your quiet inner voice about its interpretation and application.
Ask yourself, "If this feedback were a golden gift just in time, how would I allow it to prosper me?"
Ask for what you want and be willing to hear a "yes" - "no" - or "negotiate". Notice what you get. Remember that powerful support and action comes from making bit promises and big requests and cleaning up your messes quickly.