Ground Rules
Ground rules for peer support groups
- Bring your full self to the group – avoid distractions and multitasking. This is YOUR time and you deserve it.
- Be open-minded and non-judgmental – remember that practices and experiences may vary
- Be confident – no question, idea, problem or challenge is wrong or “dumb” – remember that undoubtedly others have the same question and you are helping by raising it
- Be respectful of each other’s perspectives and privacy
- Be mindful of the importance of inclusivity – we want everyone engaged and actively participating
- Others?
- Call in or log on 2-3 minutes early to ensure the group can begin and end on time, out of respect for everyone’s schedules
- Avoid speakerphone and use of other devices that can cause static or distraction, if at all possible
- Announce yourself when you join, if using a conference call
- State your name to the group each time you begin to speak so everyone knows who is speaking
- Speak slowly and clearly and try not to talk over another speaker
- Mute yourself unless you are speaking, to avoid background noise
- Avoid multitasking
- Have the agenda accessible for reference
- Others?