Adherence to meeting format, structure and etiquette, is required. FG meetings are structured and orderly as described on the Meeting Format page. This allows all members equal opportunity to participate irrespective of confidence. Convention dictates that members take turns, when directed by the chairperson, and that we don’t speak over each other. This approach has been identified as offering the best FG experience.
Members should treat in confidence everything they hear at a Friendship Guild meeting. In general, when a person shares they are giving an open, honest, answer to the question “How are you?” or “How are things going in life?” In keeping with this, members should not discuss outside of a meeting, anything they’ve heard at a meeting, not even with members who have attended the same meeting. Its also prudent to acknowledge that we can not guarantee that everyone will respect meeting room confidentiality.
Avoid Cross-talking when it is your turn to share. “Cross-talk” is giving advice to others who have already shared, or speaking directly to another person rather than to the group. What you share should be “from where you are at”, or parallels you draw with the speakers story and your life experience. Offering another member advice, however well intentioned can often be perceived as patronizing. Listening to someone is often better than giving advice.
Avoid controversial or divisive topics. Meetings should not be used to espouse political, religious or polarizing points of view. These subjects have a tending to cause disagreement or hostility between people, and are at odds with the primary purpose of Friendship Guild participation. Its perfectly fine to hold whatever views you have, and it is your prerogative to share them with whoever you want, but the meeting room floor is not the place to air divisive topics.