Agreements for Multicultural Interactions

Agreements for Multicultural Interactions at EBMC

Adapted from Visions Inc., “Guidelines for Productive Work Sessions”

TRY IT ON: Be willing to “try on” new ideas, or ways of doing things 
 that might not be what you prefer or are familiar with.

PRACTICE SELF FOCUS: Attend to and speak about your own experiences 
 and responses. Do not speak for a whole group or express assumptions 
 about the experience of others.

UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INTENT AND IMPACT: 


Try to understand and acknowledge impact. Denying the impact of something said 
 by focusing on intent is often more destructive than the initial interaction.

PRACTICE “BOTH / AND”: When speaking, substitute “and” for “but.” 
 This practice acknowledges and honors multiple realities.

REFRAIN FROM BLAMING OR SHAMING SELF & OTHERS: 
 Practice giving skillful feedback.

MOVE UP / MOVE BACK: Encourage full participation by all present. 
 Take note of who is speaking and who is not. If you tend to speak often, 
 consider “moving back” and vice versa.

PRACTICE MINDFUL LISTENING: Try to avoid planning what you’ll say 
 as you listen to others. Be willing to be surprised, to learn something new. 
 Listen with your whole self.

CONFIDENTIALITY: Take home learnings but don’t identify anyone 
 other than yourself, now or later. If you want to follow up with anyone regarding something they said in this session, ask first and respect their wishes.

RIGHT TO PASS: You can say “I pass” if you don’t wish to speak.

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www.visions-inc.org