Online Group
Aims, Rules and Guidelines


Aims:
The initial aims for this group are threefold:

  1. To prepare participants for the 2010 Intensive through…
    1. the study of core 4th way ideas and methods
    2. learning how to be a student
    3. creating the bonds needed for in-depth group functioning
  2. To create the capacity for effective on-line group meetings through…
    1. testing various conferencing and communications systems
    2. researching methods and techniques appropriate for the on-line environment
    3. creating the technical training materials needed for efficient participation
  3. To prepare material appropriate for on-line group study through…
    1. formulating appropriate rules and guidelines for participants and facilitators
    2. recording and publishing on line meetings
    3. creation and publishing of preparatory and group generated auxiliary material


Rules:
 Appropriate behavior is required at all times.


Guidelines:
Attendance: Attend all scheduled sessions. Log in to the meeting center between 10 and 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time in order to:
      check and resolve any equipment or system problems,
      make contact with other participants,
      center and collect your energies for the study session
Stay until the session is finished. If you have to miss a session, or you come late or leave early be aware of the energetic hole you are creating in the group’s energy field. Take appropriate steps to plug the leak through proper use of intention, communications and energy management.

Confidentiality: This is a beginning preparatory study group, therefore strict confidentiality cannot be required or expected. Nevertheless, discretion is expected. When in doubt, don’t say it!

Sincerity: Keeping in mind the guideline on confidentiality, make an effort to be honest, straightforward, sincere, brief and to the point

Payment: There are four types of ‘required’ payments: Money: generally $10 per session unless other arrangements are made Participation: attendance, contributions, completing tasks, etc. Suffering: confusion, discomfort, hurt feelings, insults to ego, doubt, despair Creativity: bringing something new to the party and making use of what you learn

Tasks: Complete all tasks with timely feedback to the group. Go beyond the minimum requirements. Provide meta-feedback about the task (comments on the process) to the facilitator where appropriate.

Talking/Contributions: Take it as a duty to share insights, observations and comments arising from the material covered in the meetings and associated material referenced in the tasks. Avoid generalizing, preaching, pontificating, rambling, questions that are really disguised opinions, and conversational manipulations.

Listening: Use the technique of ‘active listening’ (rather than passive listening) when other people are speaking. Draw things out of the facilitator or other participants through the intensity and power of your listening.

Relationship to the facilitator(s)/teacher(s): Respect the role of the teacher. Disagreeing is fine and anticipated; arguing is not fine and not appropriate. Remember you are the student, not the teacher… even if you are in the role of the teacher. The 4th Way is based on understanding, not on beliefs. Do NOT believe what your teacher says. Usually (but not always) you can temporarily trust what the teacher says, but only long enough for you to verify or disprove what you have been taught. You will usually be given the means for verification along with the teaching. Follow all of the directives received from the teacher, but… DO NOT lose your common sense or discernment. You are responsible for all of your actions, not the teacher. Feelings may or may not give you correct guidance; conscience almost always does.

Relationship to other participants: Be respectful, supportive, patient, and compassionate. Work out your issues with other participants through appropriate methods. You do not have to like other participants to work effectively with them. All participants are your teachers, whether they are actively instructing, modeling certain attitudes and behaviors, reflecting you to yourself, creating difficulties for you or dealing with their own issues. Honor all of these modes of being taught.

Remember your Aim!