Community Agreements:
call for comments and feedback by December 1, 2026.

The Grief Center of Vermont
Community Agreements Draft 2026

Agreements are core to our work together as a community. We reflect on them often using them as guideposts. Cohorts often add to this list or edit to suit their needs and preferences. This list represents the core agreements for open circles and others groups that need them set upon their first meeting together. Visit this link to the Google Doc to share comments directly or email Jess your notes. Thank you so much for your feedback on this core document!

1. CARE FIRST FOR SELF.
You are here for support and care. Learn to first be your best nurturer and self-advocate. Notice when you are particularly activated or tender. Engage only at the level you can sustain in the moment as you meet it. Seek the supports, rest, reflection, and movement you need here and in life.

2. MAINTAIN CONFIDENTIALITY & CONSENT.
What is discussed here is not to be discussed elsewhere unless with consent. When in doubt, ask: are you open to a question? Would you like a hug? Can we talk more about this when I see you next?

3. COME AS YOU ARE; TAKE WHAT YOU NEED.
Everyone is welcome here with all of their grief. We are not here to compare pain or judge one another. Our work together will offer a range of invitations, practices, and experiences that only you know how to apply in the ways most supportive for you. There are breakout rooms to move in and out of sessions as needed, snacks, sensory and comfort items, and art supplies to nurture yourself while here.

4. STRIVE for COMPASSIONATE COMMUNITY.
Each person’s experience is their own to discover and process. Pause when you think you know the answer to someone’s struggle, when you are activated by someone’s ideas or emotions, especially when there is something distinctly in common with you or vastly different. Notice when there is an orientation toward conflict or reactivity instead of compassion or responsiveness. If not practiced here, where?

5. INVITE SILENCE. ALLOW PRESENCE TO BE ENOUGH.
When we don’t know what to say it’s often because words are not needed or most important at that moment. Allow presence together and presence with whatever emotions come up to be enough.

6. STEP IN, STEP BACK?
If you find yourself sharing much more often than others or going over time often or not sharing at all, consider a need to nudge yourself to step in or back from the circle to ensure all voices have a chance to be heard. Ask: have others had firsts before I’ve had seconds or thirds? We all have a responsibility to create space that safely engages a wide variety of people and experiences, allows for risk and vulnerability, and offers equity and opportunity to all present.