Supplementary Documents for Rev. Michelle’s Workshop

These guidelines are based on the Living Room Conversation philosophy.

It is all about being slow, deliberate and mindful for each other.

Participant Guidelines
This conversation is designed to be a safe, respectful space for honest dialogue, deep listening, and human connection—especially across differences.

Our Shared Agreements:

1. Be Curious and Open
Come with a willingness to listen and learn. You do not need to change your mind—only to stay open.

2. Speak for Yourself
Use “I” statements. Share from your own experiences, feelings, and values rather than speaking for groups or generalizing.

3. Listen to Understand
Listen without interrupting. Allow others to finish their thoughts before responding. Silence is welcome.

4. Seek Understanding, Not Agreement
The goal is connection, not persuasion. Disagreement is allowed; disrespect is not.

5. Be Respectful and Suspend Judgment
Speak to others as people, not positions. Avoid blame, labeling, sarcasm, or dismissive language.

6. Be Honest and Authentic
Share what feels true for you, at the depth that feels safe. You are always free to pass on a question.

7. Maintain Confidentiality
What is shared here stays here. Insights may be shared later, but personal stories should not be repeated without permission.

8. Take Responsibility for Impact
If something lands poorly, we pause, acknowledge, and repair when possible.

9. Please Share the Air
Everyone is invited to watch the timer to make sure each person in the group gets to share.

What to Expect
Everyone will have equal opportunity to speak, conversations often happen in rounds, you are encouraged—but never required—to participate.

Hear is what you are invited to share within the breakout group:

·         Hello, my name is _________________ and I live in ________________.

·         At this time, I am feeling (Describe in as much detail as you are willing).

·         These feelings have impacted me in this way: Explain.

·         Thank you for listening.

After each person shares, please take a slow collective breathe together and then pause before the next person shares.

Our purpose here today is to feel safe to share and to listen with love.