Ground Rules

It is expected of every student, guest, volunteer, and the staff of Alphabet Soup to follow these rules whether in person, on a video call or meeting, over the phone, or in an online forums and other social media.

  1. Right to Pass

    • Everyone has the right not to answer questions they do not wish to answer, for absolutely any reason, without obligation to explain.

  2. Respect Differences

    • It is okay to disagree with another person, so long as it is done respectfully.

  3. One Person speaks at a Time

    • If one person is talking, others are listening. Be courteous.

  4. Allow Space for Curiosity

    • It is okay if some things we talk about is brand new information.

    • It is okay to ask questions, even if they seem silly. Chances are someone else wants to know the same thing you do.

  5. Don’t Squick My Squee / Don't Yuck My Yum

    • You do not have to be interested in all things discussed here, but you do have to be respectful of others who are interested.

  6. Respect Privacy

    • It is important to be open and honest in discussions. There is no requirement to share any personal business/information. It is okay to discuss and share general situations, but please leave out names and other identifying markers. We do not want to “out” anyone for any reason. Things that help with this:

    • Use “I” statements wherever possible

    • Use gender-neutral language

    • Use orientation-neutral language

  7. Leave Space for Emotions

    • It is okay to feel whatever you feel. While talking about sensitive topics, various feelings tend to come up for different folx. Leave space for that in each other, as well as in ourselves.

  8. No screenshots, recording, etc.

    • The ONLY exception is when we record through Zoom

    • After allowing time for follks to change their names and turn off video

  9. Check Your Biases

    • Before responding with judgement, ask yourself why you feel that way. If you are responding from a bias you hold, we ask that you choose not to reply, or message the moderator for help with rewording.

*** Alphabet Soup LLC reserves the right to delete any and all harmful comments, without warning; in online courses, webinars, workshops, presentations, as well as on all social media platforms.