Liberation Practice Field
Community Guidelines
In a constant effort to acknowledge, respect and repair centuries of theft and violence towards marginalized folks, we pledge to prioritize marginalized people’s safety over privileged people’s comfort.
Violations of the community guidelines will result in a warning followed by removal from the program without refund for repeated violations.
Thank you for being here and being a part of what makes this community special!
1. The goal of this space is to reaffirm our inherent right for safety, dignity, connection and belonging.
We acknowledge that denying ourselves and each other of those inherent rights & needs will only keep us away from our collective longing for liberation.
We acknowledge that if trauma happens in relationships, healing has to happen there, too.
2. We understand that we are all capable of harm, even when not intended.
We understand that intention is different from impact but intentions are never to be looked down on.
3. We acknowledge that we hold in our tissues lifetimes, centuries of structural oppression, domination, and subjugation.
Because of this legacy, our existence can be at odds with one another.
We also hold in our tissues great capacity to face, hold and come to terms with this legacy. We believe in our capacity to shape the future just as much as we are inheriting our past.
4. While it is our duty to respect each other and center each other's dignity, the goal is not to always ‘get along’.
Affirming our right to disagree is vital for us to decenter white supremacy’s obsession for sameness and instead practice integrating our differences.
While we will never be the same, we do share humanity. Keeping that in body is paramount to our collective liberation.
5. We use inclusive language that reflects the illusion of binaries.
Gender is an illusion and one of the many tools of subjugation that white supremacy has developed!
We practice not gendering folks and use gender neutral language as much as possible. That means refraining from assuming one’s identity based on their gender expression, how they look, or their name.
6. We make sure to refer to folks by their stated pronouns.
When uncertain, we use gender-neutral pronouns (they/them) or the person’s name.
It is okay to make mistakes and it is, in fact, expected! Making mistakes is proof that we’re human. Being accountable for our own mistakes as well as engaging in repair is essential to liberation work.
7. Privacy is paramount to building safety and trust in this space.
We expect and welcome folks (and ourselves) changing their mind. Life develops over time.
8. We strive to align our actions with our values.
We practice with integrity, compassion, and care for every body around us – including and starting with our own body!
9. When conflict arises, we use tools of accountability.
We refrain from…
Harmful or oppressive language and terms when referring to others or ourselves
Insulting/derogatory comments, passive aggression, or attacks
Claiming that ‘reverse -isms’, including ‘reverse racism,’ ‘reverse sexism,’ and the like are at play when we feel discomfort
Disrespecting folks’ boundaries, such as “I’m not open to discussing this with you.” / “Please leave me alone.” / etc.
Expecting someone to explain or debate social justice concepts with us
Sharing screenshots, stories, or conversations from this space without explicit consent
Public or private harassment (aggressive pressure or intimidation of another), including: doxxing; public humiliation; stalking; cyber-bullying; or shame- and punishment-based accountability campaigns against other members
10. This space does NOT welcome…
Completion
Showing up only when ready
Perfection
Cultural appropriation