All members joining the group must agree to the following boundaries, although the boundaries are open to modification. They are as follows:
- No comment to another man’s sharing during or after the meeting unless he asks for feedback, or unless you ask and he says yes to feedback.
- The support group is not an “open group”. Anyone wanting to attend will first speak with the contact person.
- Confidentiality must be maintained. No names or identifying information about members can be used outside the group.
- Anyone who, as an adult, has sexually abused a child cannot attend the support group.
- Alcohol or other drugs are not to be consumed immediately before or during the group meeting.
- Members may not discriminate against each other and to the best of your ability give acceptance to each man’s: –
- Racial and cultural identity.
- Spirituality.
- Belief system.
- Sexual orientation.
- In this support group, there is no dominant:
- Race or Culture
- Spiritual Practice
- Belief system.
- Sexual orientation.
- If you want to offer comfort to someone please ask how they would like you to show that support. Avoid uninvited physical contact.
- Meetings will start on time.
- Sexualised contact with other members is to be avoided while attending this group.
- No violence between group members.
- Members will take responsibility for themselves, their opinions and feelings by using “I” language. Generalisations about other groups or individuals in the community should be avoided where possible.
- Members unable to attend should inform a facilitator or another member beforehand.
- Any contact outside of the group, including phone calls, is mentioned at the next meeting to avoid secrecy.
- For the safety of the group there will be no admittance to this support group after 8:10pm.
- This is a sharing group – not for raging or screaming. Sharing about angry feelings is welcome here. If you need to do cathartic work with anger, this can be done outside of the group.
- If sustained conflict between members is disrupting a meeting the facilitator may suggest a quick “I Feel” round during which there is no interruption or comment from other members. At the conclusion of this round members will indicate as to whether the meeting can continue as per the meeting plan.
- You may leave a meeting at any time but be aware a facilitator will contact you at the conclusion of the meeting to check on your wellbeing.