Have you ever sat through a meeting or class where someone read off a list of jargon-y “community agreements”? This piece digs into how agreements like “Make Space, Take Space”, “One Mic”, and “Oops, Ouch” can sound powerful but often fall flat if no one really understands or practices them. The author ponders our reliance on shorthand, rhymes, and jargon to tackle complex concepts, and points out that without real systems of support and accountability, these agreements become more like wishlists than lived culture. How might we make these agreements more meaningful? Instead, she argues, agreements should be treated as living practices, backed up by intentional actions that make people feel safe, empowered, and connected. To learn more, click here.
