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Thank you for joining us as a Connection Circle Host!

Connection is at the heart of RFRS’ gatherings and particularly during this time when caring for our communities through physical distancing, we want to offer the opportunity to engage in a meaningful and uplifting sharing with one another.

Some example language for sharing about this volunteer role on social media:
“Join me at @rfrstories next gathering with [storyteller], I’m excited to be volunteering as a connection circle hosts!”

EXPECTATIONS FOR HOSTS
The Connection Circle takes place after Q+A, towards the end of the gathering, using Zoom’s breakout function. You will be hosting approximately 5-8 other attendees automatically assigned to your breakout room.

As Connection Circle Host, your role is to create an inviting space and get the conversation going:

  • Begin with a hello and briefly introduce yourself

  • Remind the group to keep shares under 2 minutes to give enough time for everyone to share and that anyone may choose not to share

  • Mention that you will share first and then tag the next person, who will tag the next, and so on

PLEASE DO

  • Help foster a friendly space for connection by welcoming all attendees and modeling authentic sharing and generous listening

  • Be willing to take risks, divulging your own feelings and experiences as appropriate

  • Follow the Connection Circle Practices outlined below

PLEASE DON’T

  • Pressure any attendee to share if they choose not to

  • Be afraid of long pauses or silences; it’s okay to let the circle breathe

  • Feel like you need to do anything you yourself are uncomfortable with

VIRTUAL COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS

By joining the gathering, you agree to the following:

WE LISTEN GENEROUSLY

Listen with your heart and mind wide open. Let your thoughts go and be truly present during the story and connection circle sharing.

WE ARE FULLY PRESENT

Keep your video on throughout the gathering to help cultivate connection. If possible, turn notifications off. Please hold comments and questions until after story-sharing. Emoji support for the storyteller is welcomed throughout!

WE SHARE AUTHENTICALLY

Bring yourself as you are. Our authenticity, in all of its awkward messiness, is a gift, and encourages others to take risks and be genuinely themselves as well.

WE TAKE CARE OF OURSELVES

If you need to use the restroom. get some water, or take care of something urgent, please do.

CONNECTION CIRCLE PRACTICES

WHAT'S SAID IN THE CIRCLE STAYS IN THE CIRCLE

We want this to be a welcoming space for you to be authentic.

SHARE YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE

While our views of reality may differ, we can speak our truths in these circles without correcting, judging, or debating what others have shred. Please refrain from offering any unsolicited advice.

WHAT IS OFFERED IS AN INVITATION

If you'd rather listen, you have the right to pass.

Email Brie Gelinas (brie@realfoodrealstories.org) with any questions before the gathering.