OUTREACH youth Group Agreement

At Outreach youth every person is valued, and we try to look out for each other. 
As a participant, volunteer or staff member, you can expect a safe, respectful and healthy environment here. 
                  We all have a responsibility to help create that environment. 

Every One Belongs
All gay, lesbian, bi-sexual or transgender young people are welcome at Outreach youth. 
We are committed to taking stands against all forms of discrimination and oppression.
In order to create a safe and welcoming space, no slurs against any member of any group will be tolerated - please respect each other.

Its Age Appropriate
In order to make sure that Outreach youth is a safe place for young people, we have set age limits for each session and the project.

Its Kept In The Group
Personal, private information should stay within the group.
For some  gay, lesbian, bi-sexual or transgender young people, Outreach youth maybe a hidden part of their lives - therefore everyone involved agrees not to acknowledge others outside the session without prior agreement and to remember that careless talk outside sessions can put other young people in difficult situations.

Its Alcohol, Drug and Sex Free
Because we value the health of gay and bi-sexual young men, Outreach youth is an alcohol, drug and sex free space. No use or possession of alcohol or other drugs in or around Outreach youth is allowed.

Its Safe
Everyone have the right to be physically and emotionally safe here, and we support young people in resolving conflicts in positive ways. Threatening violence, physically harming, intimidating or bullying anyone is not allowed.
If for any reason workers are concerned that a member is at risk to themselves or others information may need to be passed on, this will be discussed beforehand with each member as such problems arise. Outreach youth will try and take all necessary steps to ensure you are safe and protected.

No Means No
If someone does not want you to speak to them or touch him at that moment please respect that. Be aware of the ways your behavior can impact others.

We are part of a community and a neighborhood. Please help keep our community clean and welcoming by cleaning up after yourself. Please be quiet when you are on the street outside Outreach youth and do not litter outside the building. These expectations are the same whether you are here during a session or after hours.

This is our core Group Agreement  - there maybe times and activities that have specific rules which are set up to keep individuals and groups safe, fun, and healthy. 

 We would also ask that you remember

* It provides a chance to make friends and gain support from other members. It is not a pick up place
* Views should be respected. You may disagree with what someone is saying, but   they have a right to that opinion and you have the right to challenge the opinion specifically.
* Try and be supportive of each other.
* Leave grudges outside, try and keep the atmosphere a positive one.
* Everybody needs to make an effort to involve new members when they arrive.
* If people have any problems they can speak to a group worker.
* Don’t bitch about each other speak to a group worker if there is an issue between group members.
* Try not to swear
* Realise that within every group there will be people you get on with and others you don’t. Just because you don’t get on with someone does not make that person a nasty person, it just means your personalities do not match.
* Listen to each other, don’t dominate the group.
* Don’t assume that because someone attends the group that they are ‘out’ about their sexuality in all other environments. If you see someone from the group outside with friends, family etc. wait for them to acknowledge you before you acknowledge them.
* Keep the place tidy. Help wash up cups at the end of the group.

Consequences
These have been developed so that people can feel as comfortable as possible within the group and so that they can get the most out of the group. 
It is asked that people try and stick to the agreement whilst with the group, if they do not then they will be challenged and asked to change their behaviour. 
If the person continues to flaunt these guidelines they may be asked to leave the group.
If a youth worker  asks you to leave please do so, even if you think they are being unfair. You are welcome to come back later and discuss it.

If you feel that our Expectations are not being met in some way, please tell a youth worker. If you think that person has not handled the situation fairly, please talk to the Community Education Officer. Our Group Agreement are reviewed yearly.

Reviewed on 11th March 2006