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Shimberg Health Sciences Library & Florida Blue Health Knowledge Exchange

USF Health Libraries Book Club

Discussion Guidelines

To provide a safe space for discussion and sharing of ideas and thoughts, we will adhere to the Gay Straight Alliance’s Guidelines for Respectful GSA Spaces. 

  • One mic, one voice: Only one person should speak at a time
  • Use "I" statements: Everyone should speak from their own experiences.
  • Make space, take space: Participants should be aware of how much they are speaking. If they feel they are speaking a lot, they should let others speak, and if they find themselves not talking, they should try to contribute some comments, ideas or suggestions.
  • Correct gently, but do correct: If participants say something that is incorrect or offensive, politely address what was said.
  • Lean into discomfort: Meetings and topics can sometimes be challenging. Be willing to experience some discomfort in discussions, and learn from it.
  • Don't "yuck my yum": When group members share their likes and dislikes, respect their personal opinions and preferences.
  • No assumptions except for best intentions: People should not assume other people’s experiences or anything else. The only assumption people should make is that when other participants speak, they are speaking with the best intentions and do not mean to offend anyone.
  • Avoid making generalizations: Don’t make blanket statements about any groups of people. (In addition to members of the LGBTQ community, this also includes political parties, religious groups, socioeconomic classes, age ranges, etc.) If you’re not sure that something you want to say is factually correct, phrase it as a question.