Creating a community of care for ourselves and each other acknowledging and appreciating each other’s contributions.

• commit to confidentiality and not disclosing sensitive information about tenants without their consent.

• check ins to talk about the sustainability of the work, dynamics we’ve noticed, repair minor ruptures.

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Deconstructing oppressive biases and behaviors intervene when we see behavior rooted in oppressive biases.

• respectfully challenge people when they’re reactionary, avoid valorizing or villainizing each other.

• carefully consider the criticisms offered to you by listening to what is said before thinking about how to respond.

• if a larger conversation or an apology is needed, make time to offer it as soon as possible.

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Taking a thoughtful, proactive approach towards access needs develop an awareness of each other’s needs to begin building them into processes and exchanges.

• offer multiple ways to participate– in person and remote, alone or in group settings, with or without guidance, including interactive remote options not only during meetings but in between, too, for folks who prefer written discussion to irl conversations.

• use simple language, provide background information and context for conversations, and ask for clarification when needed.

• respect varying forms of expression, eye contact, body language, different cultures, languages, and multiple forms of communication and learning.

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Working through conflict generatively

• the problem is not the existence of conflict but how we handle it as a collective.

• we will organize more effectively if we encourage healthy, respectful internal debate before we unify around a particular decision.

• develop and strengthen our unity by struggling through disagreements and doubts openly and directly.

• speak honestly and from your own experience toward the end of mutual learning and liberation.

• share concerns as they arise by focusing on the problem and not the person.

• don’t avoid conflict for the sake of personal relationships or only consider criticism from people you have a personal relationship with.

• cultivate a spirit of curiosity by asking questions to understand the sources of disagreements. don’t make assumptions or speak negatively without the intention of involving the people and ideas the conflict is about.

• foster emotional safety.

• pay attention to the feelings being expressed as well as the words of others.

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Honoring our commitments to our shared struggle

• do what you say you will do or communicate when you realize your capacity changes.

• ask for help when you need it, offer help when you can.be aware of time– in meetings, that looks like starting & stopping when we say we will, not repeating what we want to say if it’s already been said, and staying on track with any planned discussion.

• outside of meetings, that looks like communicating in a timely manner with each other and the people who reach out to us for support.