C.A.R.E. Agreements

C-ARE: We agree to take care of ourselves and the group. You are your own authority. Tending to your needs and responsibilities in order to show up in the community space. Practicing open heart, re-spect (see with new eyes).

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A-ccountability: We acknowledge that intentions can be very different from impact. We agree to value ourselves and ask for support if we need it. We agree to be available to hear the impacts of our silence, words, projections, behaviour, allyship, care etc. during this training. Honoring each person's inner wisdom, process and lived experiences. Taking shame out of the shadows. When shame arises, we invite curiosity. Examples: no fixing, advising or ‘setting each other straight’, all emotions are welcome. Yes, no, maybe and I changed my mind are all welcome responses If you agree to do something, it’s not a contract, you can change your mind anytime and choose whether or not to participate. Take space, make space - pay attention to how much of the group's time you are taking up. Be open to reflections about this and invitations to share more.

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R-adical/Generative Justice: We agree to name and address racial injustice, cultural appropriation and micro- and macro- aggressions around race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, class, culture and religious beliefs within the group. Individual differences are welcome, and we celebrate diverse allegiances, communities and cultures. We recognize that we all have the responsibility to learn about and tend to power dynamics and that those who hold the most power and privilege in dominant culture are the most responsible for that learning and tending. Examples: speak from your own experience, noticing “we” statements which reinforce dominant norms. Use people’s preferred pronouns, make your apology shorter than your correction. Honor and respect the observance of different culture’s holidays.

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E-mergence: We commit to honoring what arises in the individual and collective body in the moment, even if it surprises us or makes us uncomfortable. Cultivating resilience in order to be with discomfort. Being with the mystery of what’s unfolding and the embodied knowledge that we’re all needed even if we are not in close relationship.

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Together We Fly! Together We Dive! Acknowledging that we will F* up and make mistakes. An inherent part of sharing such vulnerable space together involves getting messy with each other. Having the willingness to dive in, learn new tools and practice staying in community connection.

“Ouch” and “Oops” There will be bumps along the way. Our words and actions can intentionally or unintentionally be harmful to someone else. We practice acknowledging when we feel an “ouch” within ourselves and on behalf of marginalized communities, listening and reflecting with our “oops” when we’ve caused harm, and showing up for our own learning/unlearning around power and privilege.

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Created by: The Institute for the Study of Somatic Sex Education