Process and Communication Guidelines

From EcoReality

EcoReality Communication Policy

When confronted with a conflict of any kind, the community agrees to adhere to the conflict resolution principles and steps outlined below:

Problem solving ground rules:

• All members agree to attempt to solve the problems by first dealing directly with the person or persons with whom he/she is experiencing problems. Implicit in the agreement is a commitment to honest, direct problem-solving. All members will agree to the following ground rules when involved in conflict resolution efforts:

1. A commitment to mutual respect.
2. A commitment to solve the problem.
3. No Put downs
4. No intimidation, implied of direct.
5. No Physical contact.
6. No interrupting.
7. Agreement to use the conflict resolution protocol, below.

Community members in conflict will:

• Make good faith effort to resolve the problem between/among themselves. If this does not work, the members in conflict will:
• Ask a mutually agreed-upon member to help mediate and solve the problem with those having the conflict. If this does not work, the members in conflict will:
  • Formally request assistance with the problem.
  • If the community is unable to assist in resolving the conflict, and all avenues of conflict resolution have been exhausted, then the community may choose to engage in outside mediation to solve the problem.

Graduated series of consequences This process is used when someone seriously violates behavioural norms or repeatedly breaks community agreements. It is meant to treat members with respect, yet have "teeth". They are as follows:

1. One person talks with the member in question about the problem and asks him or her to make changes.
2. If this doesn't work, four people meet about the problem - the first two and a trusted friend of each, again, requesting that the person make changes.
3. If this doesn't solve it, the person meets with the Accountability Committee to resolve the problem.
4. If this still doesn't solve it, the Accountability Committee creates a five-month contract with the member that outlines how he or she will make the necessary changes and meets with the member monthly for updates. The purpose of the contract and meetings is not to punish or humiliate the member, but to encourage and support their making the changes.
5. If most members want to take this action but one or more people block it, the committee meets with the members in question and those blocking the proposal seek resolution together.

• The number of consequences a group has, and how far it goes (a whole-group meeting? Expulsion?)will depend on the size of the group and how deeply connected people feel- often a function of how long they've been together.

Third Party Confidentiality Our goal is to have the community be a supportive, healthy environment where there is ample support for conflicting parties to deal directly with each other. We also recognize the need, at times, to discuss, seek advice, or seek confort from others while in the midst of a conflict. Such a situation requires confidentiality. As "third parties" who are approached for solace, advice, etc., we agree to provide these things in the spirit of helping to improve the sutuation. We do not wish to contribute to the gossip wheel, bad mouthing of others, or the perpetuation of problems. If a person who is experiencing a conflict with one or more people on the property approeaches a neutral "third party" it is understood that the person is responsible for keeping the health and well being of the community in mind. That is, while maintainting the confidentiality the third party should remind the conflicted person of the conflict resolution protocol if necessary. In addition , by virtue of being privy to the conflict at hand, the third party is also responsible for monitoring the sutuation. If the feelings, issues, etc., are leading to greater conflict or to a weaking of the community, then the thrid party should take steps toward facilitating resolution, even if this means exposing the facts (not the details) of the problems at hand to others in the community.

Confidentiality With Regard to internal Community Conflict In the spirit of protecting the privacy and rights of the members of the community, we are committed to maintaining confidentiality regarding individual and community issues of a sensitive nature when speaking with people outside the community.