Guidelines to Promote Open and Respectful Discussion
(Resource developed by Maureen Linker)
Our primary commitment is to learn from each other. We will listen to each other with care and not talk at each other. We acknowledge differences amongst us in backgrounds, skills, interests, and values. We realize that it is these very differences that will give us the opportunity to learn and grow together as a community.
Listen respectfully. Don’t interrupt, turn to technology, or engage in private conversations while others are speaking. Use attentive, courteous body language. Comments that you make (whether asking for clarification, sharing critiques, or expanding on a point) should reflect that you have paid attention to the previous speakers’ comments.
Be open to changing your perspectives based on what you learn from others. Try to explore new ideas and possibilities. Think critically about the factors that have shaped your perspectives. Seriously consider points-of-view that differ from your current thinking.
Understand that we are bound to make mistakes in this space, as anyone does when approaching complex topics or learning ideas previously unfamiliar to us. Strive to see your mistakes and others’ as valuable elements of the learning process. We will not demean, devalue, or “put down” people for their experiences, lack of experiences, or difference in interpretation of those experiences.
Speak with care. If you learn that something you’ve said was experienced as disrespectful or marginalizing, listen carefully and try to understand that perspective. Learn how you can do better in the future.
Self Awareness. Be mindful of taking up much more space than others. The moderator will also attend to those who may be dominating the conversation and provide opportunities for others who may not feel like there is room for their questions or comments.
Sources:
- Guidelines for Dialogue / Community Expectations (from the U-M Program on Intergroup Relations, IGR)
- Sensoy, Ö., & DiAngelo, A. (2014). R. Democracy and Education, 22(2), Article 1.
- Linker, M. (2015) Intellectual Empathy: Critical Thinking for Social Justice, University of Michigan Press