HeyPeers exists to allow the free exchange of ideas and experiences for the benefit of all attendees. As HeyPeers User are some guidelines to uphold this mission.
Respect confidentiality and boundaries.
- What is said in a meeting, stays in the meeting – this is the essential principle of confidentiality and must be respected by all.
- Discussions made during the group must remain confidential, especially as people sometimes open up to (very personal) details.
- It’s everyone’s responsibility to make the group a safe place to share – respect confidentiality, treat each other with respect and kindness, and show compassion.
- Keep the environment emotionally safe – It is everyone’s responsibility to respect boundaries and create a safe and supportive environment that allows everyone the opportunity to participate. Use minimal triggering language.
- Attendees must not make any false statements (in public or otherwise) about the group nor about people in the group.
Do not discriminate or be disrespectful.
- We are all equal. HeyPeers accepts cultural, linguistic, sexual orientation, gender non-conformity, social, religious, and racial differences and promotes their acceptance.
- Attendees must not be discourteous to others in the group and must not discriminate or be derogatory on the grounds of gender, race, sexuality, disability, religion, etc.
- Attendees must not be disrespectful of the views of others in the group nor to their methods of coping with their struggles (this does not mean that the validity of views and methods cannot be respectfully challenged).
Please remember to share the meeting space and be aware of the HeyPeers Meeting Behavior Expectations:
- Attendees must be mindful to allow others to speak during discussions.
- Share the airtime – everyone who wishes to share has an opportunity to do so. No one person should monopolize the group time.
- One person speaks at a time – each person should be allowed to speak free from interruptions and side conversations.
- “Headline” your comments – say the most important part of your comment first, try to keep your contribution brief and to the point.
- Please do not mention specific names or dosages of medications.
- Use “I” language - share from your personal experience. Examples: “when I was faced with that problem, I...” or “this is what helped me.” Do not give advice unless asked for.
- Differences of opinion are OK – we are all entitled to our own point of view.
- It’s OK not to share. You are not required to actively participate; much can be gained by just listening. While you do not have to participate in the meeting, please respond and be present during the meeting introductions.
- The facilitator may interrupt you in order to keep the meeting on track.
- Attendees and visitors attending the group meeting or any other activities organized by the group do so at their own risk.