GROUP AGREEMENTS

A process for explicitly articulating how we are going to relate to each other as a baseline to which we can orient in the future. Agreements can be revisited at any time and ought to be re-affirmed or recreated whenever there is a change in the group membership. In FeelGood, we often start with the foundation that we want create a more loving world beginning with our relationships to each other. Four key elements of relating with love are to be present, authentic, inclusive, and responsive. You might consider prefacing this activity with a discussion about each of these and what they mean or require. TIME NEEDED: 60 to 90 minutes WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE? This process is recommended for leadership teams as well as your entire chapter. Having a third-party facilitator can be useful, but isnt necessary.

SUPPLIES NEEDED Large paper, whiteboard, chalkboard, or projected computer screen for notes Markers or chalk (if needed)

RECOMMENDED PROCESS 1) Set a context and present the concept (see above) 2) Break into groups of 2-3 to brainstorm relevant/proposed agreements. Groups can identify 2-3 proposed ideas in 2-3 minutes of conversation. a. Example Agreement: No texting during team meetings. 3) Reconvene the larger group and begin with any one idea generated. 4) Facilitate a conversation to make the suggested agreement as explicit as possible, including what if? scenarios, until consensus is reached. 5) Reflect synthesized statement(s), and ask if everyone agrees. Create space for anyone with a different perspective to have a voice or suggest a revision. 6) On a large paper, whiteboard, projected screen, etc., record the Agreement where the group can see. 7) Repeat steps 3-6. See additional sample agreements below that may support your groups process. 8) Restate the purpose of the Agreements, and remind the group they can be revisited at any time as group members, needs, or dynamics shift. They can also be called up or added to when any conflict or misunderstanding arises about how the team is functioning and relating to each other. 9) To reinforce peoples commitment, you can have everyone sign the bottom of the list or bring it each team you meet. 10) Circulate agreements to your team.

SAMPLE AGREEMENTS AREAS TO CONSIDER

Meetings o What meetings are we committing to? o What is our commitment to and flexibility around starting/ending on time? o What if someone is going to be late? o How many meetings must we attend or can I miss? Under what circumstances? o Is this the same for chapter/member/general meetings? o Who will run meetings? o Who will create agendas? When should the agenda be provided? What if a different leader has a suggested agenda item? o Under what circumstances might a meeting be canceled? o What is the best way to communicate about a meeting change or cancellation? o If/when we get off-topic, how can we agree to bring things back on track? o How do we feel about the use of cell phones during meetings? Communications o Who will take notes at meetings and how will they be shared? By when? o How should we utilize our leader listserv? o How and when can we give each other feedback? How does each person best receive feedback? o How and when can we celebrate each other? o If/when anyone is hurt by anothers actions, how can we agree to address that? o What kinds of communications merit a face-to-face discussion? What can be handled over email, via text, or with a phone call? o How can we support each other regarding stress or overwhelm? Decision Making o How will we communicate about issues that require immediate decisions between meetings? o Who is empowered to make decisions on behalf of the group and regarding what? Accountability o If someone is breaking any of these agreements, how and when can we address it? o If someone doesnt follow-through on a task, what happens? o What are we each personally and individually responsible for upholding as a member of this team? o If someone is not fulfilling their role responsibilities, what should be a course of action?

NOTE: A separate discussion about your roles and responsibilities is recommended, which is distinct from how you are relating to each other.