Guidelines:

Participants are expected to act like mature, respectful adults and take full responsibility for their thoughts, words, emotions and actions. This is NOT a medical, therapeutic or clinical setting. If you have special or extreme mental, emotional or physical circumstances, or personal conditions that require professional attention, please responsibly evaluate whether this is an appropriate setting for you.

Our primary guidelines are Kindness and Respect. Some protocols to support these goals are:

Privacy:

These meetings are private and confidential for the safety of its attendees. No information, stories, details about the meetings or its attendees may be discussed outside of the group. Just as you would like your own information to be respected and kept confidential, all attendees agree to safeguard each others’ information. Some information is copywritten, trademarked and proprietary to The Happier Life and to PJ Ferguson. These materials or information may only be shared with written permission by PJ Ferguson. Links to the meetings may never be shared with non-approved participants.

Chat etiquette:

• Wait your turn. You can type “RH” into the chat area to “Raise your Hand” or use the “Raise Hand” feature. The moderator will call on you to share. This keeps the conversation flowing so everyone who wishes to share gets the opportunity. (During “open mic” or “open chat” everyone speaks freely, no need for raised hands 🙂
• Use your camera. If at all possible, please turn your camera on. We love to see each other’s lovely faces. It keeps things personable and feeling safe.
• Mute your mic. During share time, please mute your mic unless you are sharing. Help limit the background noise and practice supportive listening.

When sharing:

• Speak from your own experience: “I believe, I feel, What works for me…” Refrain from giving advice or guidance. Avoid phrases like “You should…” or “Your fault.”
• Keep it judgment-free. This is a hate-free zone. No form of bigotry is allowed. Avoid imposing views or judgments on others. Instead, we practice acceptance and curiosity.
• Keep comments on-topic and relevant to the discussion. If your “share” is not directly about the day’s primary topic, please tie it in for the group. Find ways to relate your comments to the main topic for the day.
• Share the floor. Keep your sharing time brief enough to allow others to share as well. Make sure everyone has a chance to participate if they would like to.

When listening:

• Listen patiently. Feel free to ask supportive questions at appropriate times. Ask if the sharer is open to input.
• Give others the benefit of the doubt. Even if it sounds “wrong”, the person speaking is probably well-intentioned. Ask clarifying questions or invite the moderator to do so via private chat.
• Ask for check-in’s if the conversation strays too far off-topic. Ask for rephrasing. Some comments may come across different than intended. If it seems unkind or disrespectful, ask each other to rephrase things in a more respectful way.
• When in question or doubt, ask the moderator at an appropriate time. Private chat with the moderator is always available and appropriate to use to maintain the groups Primary Purposes.

Triggers:

Strong emotions can be triggered at any time by anything. It is the group’s responsibility to be sensitive when others get triggered by something. If you feel triggered, you are expected to take full responsibility for your emotions and maintain the goals of safety, kindness and respect for all. Taking emotions out on others is never acceptable. Feeling triggered is no justification for bad behavior.

What IS allowed:
– Let the moderator or speaker know the topic is sensitive or triggering
– Excuse yourself discreetly to take a break or ‘walk it off’
– Talk with the moderator respectfully after the meeting

What is NOT Allowed:
Disrespect or unkindness of ANY kind, including (but not limited to) outbursts, blaming, tantrums, lashing out, hijacking conversation, confrontation or any behavior that might create a toxic environment for others.

Participation:

Participation in this group signifies your ability and agreement to adhere to these guidelines and policies at all times. This group has a one-strike policy. A single violation of these guidelines, or any conduct deemed by the moderator as unsafe or inappropriate forfeits your right to attend any future meetings or groups, permanently.