Expectations For Respectful Discussion

Summarized from the DSA National guidelines.

Assume good faith in your fellow comrades

• Speak from experience, speak for yourself.
• Clarify before challenging others.
• Challenge oppressive behaviors, but call each other “in”, rather than call each other out.

Know whether you need to “step up” or “step back”

• Create a safe and inclusive space for everybody.
• Avoid dominating the conversation, respect the facilitator.
• If you don’t often speak up, we encourage you to do so!

Please ask yourself “Why am I Talking?” (WAIT)

• Has what you want to say already been said?
• Is this on topic?
• Is there a better time and place to say it, or another way, such as nodding your head, of expressing your opinion?

Please recognize and respect others feelings, background, and cultural differences

• Don’t use language that’s oppressive or hurtful.
• Refrain from using acronyms or complicated language that could exclude others.

We have “one mic” so do not interrupt or speak while others are talking

• This is basic politeness.

Respect the facilitator when they use Progressive Stack

• Raise your hand if you want to speak, then put it down when the facilitator acknowledges you.
• You will be called on in an order determined by how recently and often you’ve talked, and whether or not you are a member of a marginalized group.

Be comradely and have fun

• Who said movement building can’t be fun?
• We need to create a culture that is not only sustainable, but restorative, to win.
• Keep criticisms constructive and impersonal.