Meeting Participation
Rules
All CDDSA meetings adhere to the following community agreements. We have these agreements to help structure our conversations so that we can be respectful of each other and all of our time.
- Progressive Stack – Progressive Stack is a method for managing the flow of discussion on a particular item of business. It’s a stack, because those who put themselves on the stack (in Zoom, by typing “stack” in the chat, in person by raising a hand) will get a chance to speak. It’s progressive, because the order may be changed in order to prioritize voices that have had less of a chance to speak or whose personal experiences are more relevant to the topic.
- Why Am I Talking – Try to be aware of the time. When we’re running a structured meeting, it’s important to respect everyone’s time, so if you’re talking, make sure that it’s on topic. If you’re simply voicing your agreement on something, you can say that rather than repeating what’s been said, etc.
- Step Up, Step Back – After you’ve spoken, someone may say something directly relevant to what you had said, and we do allow someone to do a Direct Response outside of stack order, but it’s important to avoid abusing that. Try to be self-aware if you have a tendency to dominate the conversation.
- Use “I” Statements – Speak from your perspective, rather than assuming that of other people. Speak for yourself and from your own experience.
- One Comrade, One Mic – Don’t speak over someone else when they’re talking. Respect their voice, respect their opinion. If you have a disagreement, wait for your turn to address it. This is basic politeness.
- Listen (Don’t Wait to Talk) – Genuinely pay attention to what others say. Actively listen to others.
- Assume Best Intentions, But Challenge – If someone says something that doesn’t sound right, ask clarifying questions. If they say something or do something that doesn’t sit right, however, it is important that you feel like you are able to challenge that in good faith. And from the other side, if someone does challenge you on something you’ve said or done, you should take it as constructive criticism.
- Oops, Ouch – Acknowledge when you make a mistake. Remember, mistakes will be made, we are all a work in progress. We all want to do better for ourselves and for one another.
Stack and Direct Response
Progressive Stack is a method for managing the flow of discussion on a particular item of business. It’s a stack, because those who put themselves on the stack (in Zoom, by typing “stack” in the chat, in person by raising a hand) will get a chance to speak. It’s progressive, because the order may be changed in order to prioritize voices that have had less of a chance to speak or whose personal experiences are more relevant to the topic.
If you have something to say that in vital to the conservation or answers a question another comrade has raised, you can type “direct response” or “dr” to be bumped up on the list of speakers.
For virtual meetings, you can utilize the chat option for additional comments around the discussion.
Joining a Committee/Working Group
Committees and working groups are made up of the CDDSA members who make the time to attend meetings, organize actions, and support the group’s work. We do ask that all CDDSA members be DSA members in good standing, but there are no further restrictions.
Facilitator’s Role
The facilitator of a meeting keeps the conversation on track and calls on speakers. The facilitator will hear the thoughts of the group and propose next steps for the task at hand. It is typical for a co-chair to facilitate their respective committee or chapter meetings. Facilitators are expected to ensure the community agreements are upheld during the meetings.
Notetaker
Our notetakers serve an invaluable role of providing records of meetings. Members can not make every meeting we have, and it is important that they can review the notes from our meeting so they have a chance to offer perspective. You do not need experience to serve this role, often, new members find it is a way to contribute to the meeting while catching up with the work of the chapter.
Acronym
Acronyms are confusing! We try to stay away from them so everyone can participate in the discussion. If a member uses an acronym that you are unfamiliar with, feel free to ask for the meaning in the chat! We want everyone to be on the same page