Brave Space Ground Rule #4: Respect

This is Part 4 of a 5 Part series unpacking the concept of Brave Spaces. Find more info here: What Do You Mean Brave Spaces? I Want Safety! and here: Ground Rule #1: Controversy with Civility, Ground Rule #2: Own Intent and Impact, and Ground Rule #3: Challenge by Choice.

Arao and Clemens share that this is the most non-controversial ground rule of brave spaces.

Ground Rule #4: Respect: where learners show respect for one another's basic personhood. Regardless of opinions, respect for each person's personhood is non-negotiable (Arao and Clemens, 2013). 

The authors share the following tips when working to show respect in brave spaces:

1. Spend some time discussing and defining respect with your group members. What does it look like or sound like? How can it be demonstrated to you?
2. Notice cultural understandings of respect and work to mitigate assumptions regarding what kinds of behaviors are respectful.
3. Invite group members to connect respect to the brave space Ground Rule #1: Controversy with Civility. This gives group members a chance to discuss how to challenge each other respectfully and to consider how we want to respond when members of the group firmly and respectfully challenge each of us.

Don't give up on yourself and your ability to learn and grow, building brave spaces toward inclusion and liberation. 

How can you take action using this ground rule? 

Fellow leaders and learners, I wish you courage and joy on the journey.