Queer Commons Vision Statement
We envision a consensus-based community that will serve as an inclusive space for sharing skills, knowledge and other resources with peers, by and for queer and LGBT folks - particularly people of color, noncitizens, trans, gender nonconforming, genderqueer and intersex folks, and all those who exist outside of the gay mainstream.
Guiding Principles of the Steering Committee
We think working well together is the first step to working well. Here’s how we do it.
Participation in Steering Committee. The Queer Commons welcomes participation in the Steering Committee, and maintains a spirit of shared leadership and power equity among all members. Membership in the Steering Committee requires an interest in participating in monthly planning meetings and assisting with shared duties. If you are interested in joining the Steering Committee, please contact us.
SC Attendance and Decision Making. SC members will prepare for and attend meetings whenever possible, and make efforts to remain informed on current discussions, upcoming events, and other concerns if and when they cannot attend a meeting. We agree that we will begin and end meetings on time. The SC maintains forward progress by making decisions in meetings (announced reasonably in advance of meetings to all SC members) with the members present. Whenever a SC member cannot attend a meeting but wishes to have input on an issue or decision, they should make that known to the steering committee in advance (e.g., in an email to all SC members).
Respect for Name/Gender/Pronoun. As the Queer Commons is comprised of a group of individuals, each with our own rich personal experiences, histories and identities, we will actively endeavor to foster an affirmative and inclusive environment for all. As such, we will use the name/gender/pronoun each individual prefers. At the beginning of every Queer Commons committee meeting or workgroup event, we will ask that each member state their name and preferred pronoun.
Confidentiality. To foster open dialogue within the SC and encourage full participation by all, SC members agree not to discuss the internal deliberations of the SC or any of its members without the express permission of the full SC.
Resources. SC members are willing to make resource contributions to the success of The Queer Commons, including individually (e.g., their skills and talents), organizationally (e.g., providing meeting space), and collectively (e.g., working together to obtain resources for the group’s benefit). All SC members agree that materials, including online content and graphics developed for use by the Queer Commons, will be considered the intellectual property of the Queer Commons and not any individual member thereof.
Communications. Members of the SC are responsible for setting a tone of appropriateness and respect in correspondence such as group and listserv emails, website, google group or facebook postings, and other communications. SC members agree to be thoughtful in their use of communication and to remember that they represent the SC and the Collective when corresponding or posting on our behalf.
Assuming “Good Intent.” Members of the SC agree to assume good intent when interacting in the group and to clarify meaning before arriving at conclusions or judgments. SC members agree to remain open to other points of view, to all members, to the group process and its outcomes.
Respect. Whenever there is conflict that interferes with forward progress or performance, SC members will actively and intentionally work in a spirit of open and honest communication and cooperation to address the conflict rather than ignore, avoid or be disrespectful to other members. We will look toward “service of the greater good” as the guidepost for resolution.
Conflict Resolution. If any member of the SC has a grievance with or complaint about another SC member’s behavior (as related to their participation specifically with The Queer Commons), SC policies or another issue, such a complaint will be formally addressed by the SC. The SC will look to the principles of open communication, mediation and group conscience to resolve internal conflicts.
