Our Brave Place

Our Commitments to Each Other

As a member of this learning community, you play an active and important role in fostering a brave, as opposed to, a safe place. A safe place implies that people can feel confident that they will not be exposed to discrimination, criticism, harassment, or other emotional discomforts. Safe places foster politeness and imply that we should disengage when confronted with a difficult conversation. A brave space acknowledges that we, as humans, are never free from our own biases or those of others. Brave places are anchored in trust, dignity, and respect and they enable change. To help foster our brave space, we will all agree to the following pact.

What you can expect from me:

1. I will treat you with dignity and respect.

2. I will be actively present in your learning.

3. I will strive to foster a brave environment where varying opinions are acknowledged.

4. I will reach out to you when I sense that you need support.

5. I won't be perfect. I am human and will make mistakes at times. I will view mistakes as an opportunity to learn and grow.

6.  I will honor who and where you are in this process of learning and self-discovery.

Is there anything else you would like to add to this list? If so, you have the opportunity to make a suggestion in the Community Norms Discussion in the Orientation Module.

What I will expect from you:

1. You will treat me and your peers with dignity and respect. 

2. You will lean into your discomfort in our discussions and reflections, as discomfort is an essential part of personal and professional growth. 

3. When engaging with your peers in discussions, you will focus on issues, as opposed to people. For example, “It sounds like you have a strong opinion about ...., I am interested in hearing more. Can you expand on your point?” or “I see you disagree with XX’s perspective. I’m curious about your reasoning. Can you elaborate on what you mean?”

4. You will strive to be an active participant in this course and aim to meet due dates.

5. You will maintain an open line of communication with me so I understand how to support you. 

6. You will strive to regularly contribute to collaborative activities to ensure other members of the community have ample opportunity to read/listen, reflect, and respond to your ideas.

7. You will give yourself grace. Expect to make mistakes. You are human and mistakes are part of learning and growing.

Is there anything else you would like to add to this list? If so, you have the opportunity to make a suggestion in the Community Norms discussion in the Orientation module.

This pact was influenced by Garibay, J. C., Creating a positive classroom climate for diversity, UCLA Diversity & Faculty Development, and was shared with me by the facilitators of Equity & Culturally Responsive Teaching: Kelsey Ford, Amanda Paskey, and Gregory Beyrer.