GROUND RULES - Guys Like Us Retreat 2005


	RESPECT CONFIDENTIALITY
	Who attends and what is said at the retreat is not to be discussed outside of the retreat. The only exceptions are in cases of where you are at risk of suicide, homicide, or child abuse/neglect.

	FEELINGS ARE 100% OK
	We are not here to tell anyone what they should or should not feel. Feelings are non-negotiable.

	USE OF "I" STATEMENTS
	We encourage people to use "I" statements when sharing thoughts, opinions, and ideas. The use of "I" statements creates a more non-judgemental environment. Examples of "I" statements are "I think...", "I feel...", and "I believe..."

	RESPECT BOUNDARIES
	Many of us have certain issues that we feel unsafe or uncomfortable discussing. That's OK. We should take the necessary steps to ensure that we feel safe, even if that means leaving, or moving to another part of the space.

	RESPECT RELATIONSHIPS
	Many of us may have multi-faceted relationships with other people attending the retreat. In some cases, it may be inappropriate to share details of those relationships when the other parties are present. We ask that people try to be sensitive to this. We ask that people avoid gossiping, dissing, and spreading rumors.

	RESPECT SILENCE
	Just because we're not speaking doesn't necessarily mean we're not communicating. We try to be sure that a person is finished sharing before going on to the next person. We ask that no side conversations occur when others are sharing.

	RESPECT DIVERSITY
	This retreat is made up of people of different ages, races, gender-identities, sexual orientations, classes, political affiliations, abilities, religious or spiritual beliefs, etc. We are HIV-, HIV+, HIV unsure or untested. We encourage everyone to avoid making assumptions about anyone, and to respect our diversity.

	NO JUDGEMENTS, NO BLAME, SHAME, OR GUILT
	We come to get away from these things. We work at keeping our retreat free of them.

	NO VIOLENCE, ALCOHOL, OR DRUGS
	Some of us may be recovering from the effects of drug, alcohol, and violence in our lives. We respect their needs.