YUZ Communication Agreements

As an articulation of how we practice harmoniously together, our guideposts are the Bodhisattva Precepts and SFZC's Communication Agreements. A grounding in these, and regular reflection, do much to strengthen our practice. The Communication Agreements are part and parcel of our YUZ culture, renewed each time we consider and use them. Invariably in the community, tensions or conflicts will arise. The Bodhisattva Precepts and Communication Agreements can provide an approach for working through conflict in a way that is beneficial for ourselves, "others", and both. 

COMMUNICATION AGREEMENTS  

(formerly “Agreements for Multicultural Interactions”) 
By EBMC, and adapted from Visions Inc., “Guidelines for Productive Work Sessions” 

“TRY IT ON” 
Be willing to “try on” new ideas, or ways of doing things that might not be what you prefer or are familiar with. 

PRACTICE SELF FOCUS 
Attend to and speak about your own experiences and responses. Do not speak for a  whole group or express assumptions about the experience of others. 

UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INTENT AND IMPACT 
Try to understand and acknowledge impact. Denying the impact of something said by focusing on intent is often more destructive than the initial interaction. 

PRACTICE “BOTH / AND” 
When speaking, substitute “and” for “but.” This practice acknowledges and honors multiple realities. 

REFRAIN FROM BLAMING OR SHAMING SELF & OTHERS 
Practice giving skillful feedback. 

MOVE UP/MOVE BACK 
Encourage full participation by all present. Take note of who is speaking and who is not. If you tend to speak often, consider “moving back” and vice versa. 

PRACTICE MINDFUL LISTENING 
Try to avoid planning what you’ll say as you listen to others. Be willing to be surprised, to learn something new. Listen with your whole self. 

CONFIDENTIALITY 
Take home learnings but don’t identify anyone other than yourself, now or later.
If you want to follow up with anyone regarding something they said in this session, ask first and respect their wishes. 

RIGHT TO PASS 
You can say “I pass” if you don’t wish to speak.