Gathering norms & safety

At every estuary, participants

• speak and listen with respect, and disagree with ideas, not people;
• do not harass, threaten, demean, or discriminate against anyone;
• keep what others share confidential unless the speaker agrees otherwise;
• do not record without everyone’s consent; and
• follow the facilitator’s guidance on time and turn-taking.

We cannot guarantee confidentiality, and we will act on any threat of harm as safety and the law require.

What you can count on

• Every Waypoint gathering is led by a facilitator authorized by Waypoint Gatherings.
• Our directors, officers, and volunteers follow written background-check and conduct policies.
• No one records a gathering without the consent of everyone present.
• Our gatherings are open to adults (18 and older).

These norms and commitments apply to gatherings Waypoint Gatherings hosts. Estuaries that others start using the open-source method are independent and not affiliated with us.

A facilitator may ask a participant to leave for conduct that breaks these norms or disrupts a gathering, usually after a warning. No one is asked to leave because of who they are, or for views expressed respectfully.

Raising a concern

If you experience or see harassment, abuse, discrimination, threats, or anything else that worries you, please tell us. You may raise a concern with any of our directors: write to us at hello@waypointgatherings.org, or reach our Secretary directly at secretary@waypointgatherings.org. Concerns involving our President go to the Secretary.

In an emergency, call 911.

We look into every report promptly and keep it as confidential as we can. We report suspected crimes to law enforcement. No one may retaliate against a person who raises a concern in good faith.