Values & Community Assumptions 
Welcome to our community hub. Please review our community values, agreements, and assumptions to uphold the integrity of this space.
Values 
1. Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (JEDI)
Our commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion underscores the recognition of every individual's inherent worth and the imperative to create a fair and inclusive society. This commitment requires actively addressing systemic inequalities, dismantling barriers, and valuing diverse perspectives. By fostering an environment where all voices are heard, and opportunities are accessible to everyone regardless of their social identity or zip code, we pave the way for a more just, harmonious, and prosperous collective future.
2. Liberation/Freedom
We believe that freedom and liberation are the cornerstones of human dignity. They encompass the right to self-determination, expression, and pursuing one's aspirations without undue constraints. Liberation goes beyond breaking physical or societal restrictions; it's about empowerment, agency, and the removal of economic, emotional, spiritual, and psychological limitations. We believe in interrogating systems that uphold oppression and marginalization and restrict the freedom of all people.
3. Self-Determination
Self-determination is the driving force that empowers individuals to set and pursue their goals, enabling people to make autonomous choices aligned with their values and aspirations. It involves taking responsibility for one's actions and decisions, fostering a sense of accountability. This plays a pivotal role in personal and professional growth.
4. Community
Connection and community are essential for personal and professional growth and support. The exchange of diverse perspectives enriches both learning and life experiences.  Relationships provide the connection we need to thrive, while communities offer a space for shared values, diverse perspectives, and collaborative efforts.  We believe it can foster a sense of belonging and provide a support network. In community, individuals can share experiences, exchange knowledge, and collectively address common concerns. This shared space nurtures empathy, diversity, and a sense of purpose, ultimately contributing to personal well-being, social cohesion, and the enrichment of society as a whole.
5. Practice
We believe that in order to embody an equity-centered practice you must have time and space for exploration and critical thinking. The process of personal and professional growth requires both space and time to unfold organically. Space allows for exploration, experimentation, and the freedom to delve into various subjects and perspectives. Time provides the opportunity for gradual comprehension, reflection, and the development of deeper insights.
Community Agreements
1. Zero tolerance for any type of hate speech/bullying.
Although we believe in the power of restorative justice - community dialogue and calling in within our program spaces if we see any intentional anti-blackness, homophobia, transphobia, classism, fatphobia etc - you will be immediately removed from the group. You’re welcome to reach out to Admins if you have any questions and/or concerns.
2. We learn WITH and FROM each other. We ENCOURAGE participation and engagement.
This is a community, we value dialogue and engagement. Please introduce yourself, ask questions, and share what you’re working on, challenges, wins, and stories - we emphasize the power of connection and authentic engagement.
3. Use Inclusive non-appropriative language including gender-inclusivity (y’all, folks, people, community… We don't use tribe.)
We will use gender-inclusive language and the pronouns, and names that people choose to be identified by.
4. Honor the confidentiality of members.
We will not share or make public the stories, identities, or situations that happen in the community without explicit permission.
Community Assumptions
  1. We actively engage and commit to unlearning, relearning, and engaging with the way systems of oppression operate and our relationships to these.

  2. We all have a starting point. We’re not expected to be experts on anti-racism and anti-oppression. We’re committing to a lifetime process of learning and growing.

  3. We live at intersections, we all benefit and are harmed by systematic oppression.

  4. We value justice, equity, and diversity within our businesses and lives.

  5. When presented with new information - we commit to listening, reflecting, educating ourselves, and being open to changing our opinions.

  6. We honor the power of accountability and cultivating a container where we all mistakes AND can learn.
Conflict
This is an association where your learning experience is inherently driven by collaborative learning within a community and this is a community made up of folks from various ethnoracial, gender, sexuality, neurodiverse, class identities and lived experiences - as well as the different journeys folks are on. There may be times when something that someone says is triggering or harmful. It is of utmost importance for us to make sure folks are okay, to handle what occurs head-on while centering whoever has been harmed in the process WHILE also committing to allowing for uncomfortable dialogue to occur.

In order to navigate this we ask all folks to take a moment and sit with the following prompts:

  • What am I feeling and where is this feeling coming from?
  • Can I ask for clarity about what this person is trying to say?
  • Do I need support?

If you need support, including unpacking what may have happened we urge you to reach out to our community facilitator by email at: charmagne@trudilebron.com. Although we are monitoring the space - we might not always catch everything, if you think something needs to be drawn to our attention please reach out!

Please reach out to Admins if you have any concerns about something going on in the community.

Resources that inspired/shaped our community agreements and assumptions

 
[bot_catcher]