These Group Guidelines were made by the group, for the group. The Group Guidelines are here for you and for everyone else who comes to the group. When people follow these guidelines, Advocates for a Better Future is a place where everyone feels safe and respected.  

Each person is responsible for how they treat others. 

Everyone is expected to follow these guidelines. 

• ABF is a SAFE and SUPPORTED space. Treat everyone how you want to be treated. Treat everyone with respect. 
• No sexual harassment. Sexual harassment means making inappropriate sexual comments and touching without permission. 
• Treat everyone as equals. No discrimination and bullying. Discrimination means treating someone bad because of gender, disability, race, sexuality, religion, etc. Bullying means having power over somebody physically, emotionally and mentally. 
• Respect everyone’s culture, ethnicity and their native languages.
• If you need support, you can ask another group member or helper for help. You can take a break if you need space. 
• Communicate with respect. Listen to and learn from others. Respectful communication is not screaming, shouting or yelling. Wait your turn to talk and don’t interrupt. Stay focused on the group. 
• Respect people’s privacy and confidentiality. What happens here, stays here.  
• If someone threatens to harm themselves or someone else, we can call the police if we need to. 
• Respect other people’s boundaries. Respect people’s body, physical, emotional space and belongings. 
• Turn cellphones on vibrate. All calls should be made in the hall. If you are expecting an important call, let the group know before the meeting starts. For Zoom meetings, please mute your microphone to eliminate background noise.
• If you are coming late, come in quietly. Grab some food and take a seat.