Click on the RSVP button, it will take you to a form to fill out. You will receive an email to let you know if you are able to participate in that month’s gathering. The gatherings are limited to 15 people due to capacity limits.

All involved will be accountable for their words and actions and their impact. These conversations are not held with the promise of a brave space or a safe space.

Please review this medium article on the definitions.

Below are Accountable Space Guidelines adapted from the University of California by Elise Ahenkorah: 

1. Please do not interrupt others.

2. Listen actively, instead of just waiting to speak. Please use a pen and paper to record your thoughts, if necessary.

3. Be mindful of your total talk time and, if you are comfortable, speak up to add to the conversation.

4. Give everyone a chance to speak, without unnecessary pressure.

5. Understand that we are all learning. If you said something offensive or problematic, apologize for your actions or words being offensive — not for the person feeling insulted.

6. Recognize and embrace friction as evidence that multiple ideas are entering the conversation — not that the group is not getting along.

7. Give credit where it is due. If you are echoing someone’s previously stated idea, give the appropriate credit.

8. Ask for clarification — do not assume or project.

9. Speak for yourself. Use “I” statements and do not share others’ lived experiences.

10. Words and tone matter. Be mindful of the impact of what you say, and not just your intent.

11. Self-reflect on actionable items to become an ally in your daily work or personal experiences, after leaving the space. Can’t figure it out? Use Google, but for the sake of the few Black people in your office — don’t place the burden of educating yourself on others, especially those from equity-deserving communities.

12. If you attend as an ally of [a] community, please allow space for equity-deserving and marginalized communities to share their experiences.

13. Other — ask your audience if there are other guidelines needed to support them to ensure the conversation does not create further trauma or undue mental or emotional hardship.

1. If a community member does not abide by the rules above, they will be provided a redirection and reminder of the rules. 

2. If two redirections are provided and/or the community member is disruptive or antagonistic to the purpose of the gathering, a warning will be given. 

3. If continued infraction of the rules necessitates a second warning, the community member will be asked to leave. 

4. The removed community member will be followed-up with at the discretion of the organizer at a later date. 

5. If community member(s) are deemed not a good fit for ongoing involvement, they will not be invited to attend future meetings.

No one person should be seen as the singular authority of an experience, and participants are encouraged to continue to build out varied perspectives for a well rounded view point. 

Community members are encourage to reflect on the discussion and consider these questions:

1. Were your questions answered? 

2. What have you discovered? 

3. What were you surprised to hear? 

4. What were you glad to share? 

5. What will you continue to explore?