- I understand that the Federation of BC Writers (FBCW) is not endorsing any information shared in writing circles and that I have a responsibility to research and make informed decisions on any information given or implied. I agree that the FBCW, its board, staff, and members are not liable for any damages or losses arising from taking part in our programming or information shared by staff, volunteers, and peers in the program.
- As a participant in our Writing Circles program, I will adhere to the following Code of Conduct, review and indicate acknowledgement and agreement. I understand that failure to adhere to the Code of Conduct may result in warning notices, temporary suspension and potentially result in removal from the group.
- I understand that the FBCW is an organisation that celebrates diversity and inclusion and that taking part in the program means I will be respectful, inclusive, and support the dignity of all people regardless of age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, language, ability, nationality, ability, health status, religion, and socioeconomic status. All people have identities that intersect the categories above. Examples of behaviour that undermine the above are: crude jokes, unwanted communication, statements minimising others’ experiences/histories, and threats.
- I understand that each group has its own set of norms. I will embrace the format of the Writing Circle, determined by the group, along with general guidelines that set the tone and structure for our meetings. To read the full guidelines, click here.
- I understand that facilitators are volunteers who have graciously donated their time.
- I will respect their time and privacy by limiting communication to matters pertaining directly to the Writing Circle and refrain from contacting them outside of the Writing Circle session, unless otherwise agreed to by all parties.
- I will not engage in a harassing or discriminatory manner and I will refrain from making inappropriate jokes or texts, threats, or engaging in other unwelcome verbal, written, visual, or physical communication or conduct.
- I understand that I cannot always know or understand other people’s histories. To help make the space as welcoming and safe as possible, if my writing contains certain themes (outlined below), I will identify this prior to reading it to the group. (e.g. sexual assault, extreme violence, self-harm/eating disorders/suicide ideation, abortion/miscarriage, mental illness, graphic adult content). For more information, please see: Content Warning Agreement f0r additional information on how the FBCW approaches this topic.
- I appreciate, am sensitive to, and respect the fact that the work of writers, and their opportunity to read their work may be triggering and/or therapeutic to them and I will endeavour to maintain a safe and supportive space for the sharing of the work, regardless of its nature.
- When critiquing, I will focus on the written word, not the author, and any feedback or input I deliver will be in the spirit of support and encouragement coupled with an appreciation of the effort behind the writing process. Please see the document: Ten Tips for Giving Helpful Feedback
- I understand that excessively negative critique can be damaging to other writers and counter intuitive to the goal of this program. Critiques are to consider kindness and the desired outcome of improvement for the recipient above all else.
- I will not share group member’s information, work, or critique materials with anyone outside of the writing circle without written permission.
- I will bring any issues within the group I have to the circle leader(s). If these can’t be resolved within the group, I will contact the Writing Circle administrator.
- In some scenarios, wherein other participants, facilitators, or volunteers are feeling unsafe or that group norms are regularly not being followed, a participant may be asked to leave a group. In this scenario, effort will be made to find another circle for the participant who has been asked to leave. This is a non-negotiable outcome, but does not necessarily reflect the character of the individual and may simply be a matter of group dynamics.
- I understand that participation in writing circles is not a right and that in some cases, writers may be asked to leave the program or a circle if efforts to resolve challenges are unsuccessful.
- I understand that regular absences can disrupt the group and commit to attend the circles consistently.