Welcome.

This community was created to be a place where people living with chronic illness and pain can
learn, connect, and feel less alone. Every person who joins contributes to the culture of this
space.

These agreements are designed to foster respect, compassion, and accountability so that
everyone has the opportunity to participate in a meaningful way.

By initialing each section and signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to uphold
the following community agreements throughout my participation in this program.

I agree to keep personal stories, discussions, and identifying information shared by other
participants confidential.

I understand that confidentiality is essential for building trust within this community.

I agree not to take screenshots, photographs, audio recordings, screen recordings, or video
recordings during live meetings.

I recognize that protecting the privacy of every participant allows people to participate more
openly and honestly.

I agree to speak from my own lived experience by using "l" statements whenever possible.

I recognize that my experiences may not be true for everyone, and I will respect differing
perspectives.

I agree to listen with curiosity and compassion rather than with the intention to fix, persuade, debate, or convince.

I recognize that being witnessed is often more supportive than receiving advice.

I agree not to diagnose, prescribe, recommend treatments, or offer unsolicited advice to other participants.

If someone requests my experience or recommendations, I will share them respectfully as my own experience rather than as universal advice.

I agree to treat every participant with dignity, kindness, and respect.

I recognize that each person brings unique life experiences, identities, beliefs, diagnoses, cultures, values, and healing journeys into this space.

Curiosity is welcome.

Judgment is not.

I recognize that I am never required to share.

I may choose to:

• Listen without speaking
• Pass on a question
• Turn off my camera
• Take a break when needed

I also agree to respect the boundaries and choices of other participants.

I agree to be mindful of how much time I spend speaking so that everyone has the opportunity to participate.

I recognize that every voice deserves space.

I agree to be thoughtful when discussing traumatic experiences or medical events.

When possible, I will focus on my experience, what I'm learning, and what support I need rather than sharing graphic or highly detailed descriptions that may overwhelm others.

I agree to contribute to an environment free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, intimidation, hateful language, retaliation, or personal attacks.

I recognize that every participant deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

I recognize that misunderstandings and mistakes happen in every community.

If I unintentionally cause harm, I agree to approach the situation with humility, curiosity, accountability, and a willingness to repair.

I also agree to receive feedback with openness and respect.

I recognize that this community exists to support learning, reflection, and connection.

I understand that healing looks different for everyone, and I agree to honor both my own journey and the journeys of others with compassion.

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and understand this Community Participation Agreement. I agree to uphold these agreements throughout my participation in this program and understand that they exist to support a respectful, compassionate, and connected community.