99 Unite Civic Forum meeting guidelines
As a community organization that consists of individuals from diverse cultural, political and social backgrounds holding a wide range of values and expectations, establishing a set of guidelines as a fundamental structure of how the 99 Unite Civic Forum conducts its public and private meetings is meant to emphasize and reinforce certain common values necessary and conducive to a productive meeting as well as effective organizing. In order to be an influential and effective civic organization, the 99 Unite Civic Forum and its members hold one another accountable to these norms.
1. Civility and Respect
At the core of the 99 Unite Civic Forum is the basis of mutual civility and respect. Name-calling, personal attacks, and other antisocial and harmful behaviors will not be permitted in any of our meetings or events.
2. Punctuality and Following-Through (a.k.a. "No Flake-Out Policy")
Our meetings commence promptly at the time at which it is scheduled to begin. Punctuality is a sign of respect for other participants, as well as for invited guest speakers or presenters. Conversely, tardiness reflects extremely badly on our efficiency at organizing, and on one's own moral character. It is strongly recommended that each person makes an advance plan to arrive at meeting location no later than 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of the event.
So-called "flake-out" is strongly frowned upon, and is not an acceptable behavior.
Much of our work is done between meetings. If you have committed to a project or a task, it is your responsibility to complete the project or task. Conversely, do not over-commit on something you are not able to do.
Let your yes be yes, and let your no be no.
3. Framing the Narratives towards the Common Understanding
Our group aims to unite people from many different social, political or cultural understandings towards a shared goal of promoting the common good. As such, we place a stronger emphasis on the tasks at hand as well as on real-life impacts of public policy. This is not a place for ideologically-based arguments.
Due to its often divisive nature, we specifically avoid the use of oppression-privilege analysis (also known as power analysis) in our discussions and organizing.
4. People before Politics
The 99 Unite Civic Forum works on the basis of common humanity and common interest as a community. As such, we actively engage with people of all socio-economic classes as well as different political and religious persuasions. The ultimate outcome of a good law governed well is to promote the well-being of individuals, families, neighborhoods and communities. To this end, our priority is on people, not on abstract principles.
1. Civility and Respect
At the core of the 99 Unite Civic Forum is the basis of mutual civility and respect. Name-calling, personal attacks, and other antisocial and harmful behaviors will not be permitted in any of our meetings or events.
2. Punctuality and Following-Through (a.k.a. "No Flake-Out Policy")
Our meetings commence promptly at the time at which it is scheduled to begin. Punctuality is a sign of respect for other participants, as well as for invited guest speakers or presenters. Conversely, tardiness reflects extremely badly on our efficiency at organizing, and on one's own moral character. It is strongly recommended that each person makes an advance plan to arrive at meeting location no later than 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of the event.
So-called "flake-out" is strongly frowned upon, and is not an acceptable behavior.
Much of our work is done between meetings. If you have committed to a project or a task, it is your responsibility to complete the project or task. Conversely, do not over-commit on something you are not able to do.
Let your yes be yes, and let your no be no.
3. Framing the Narratives towards the Common Understanding
Our group aims to unite people from many different social, political or cultural understandings towards a shared goal of promoting the common good. As such, we place a stronger emphasis on the tasks at hand as well as on real-life impacts of public policy. This is not a place for ideologically-based arguments.
Due to its often divisive nature, we specifically avoid the use of oppression-privilege analysis (also known as power analysis) in our discussions and organizing.
4. People before Politics
The 99 Unite Civic Forum works on the basis of common humanity and common interest as a community. As such, we actively engage with people of all socio-economic classes as well as different political and religious persuasions. The ultimate outcome of a good law governed well is to promote the well-being of individuals, families, neighborhoods and communities. To this end, our priority is on people, not on abstract principles.
