On Being Together

A poetic affirmation of being together based on mutual respect, tolerance and compassion. Without such things wonderfully diverse and rich groups of people cannot come together to collaborate.

Here's why.

When being together, especially if things go wrong,  
we acknowledge and work through differences.  
In so doing, we transform and enlarge each other.

To nurture our mutual growth,

  this is a place of  
    learning, understanding, and sharing;  

  this is a place to  
    affirm tolerance and compassion;  

  this is a place for  
    collaborative creativity.

All the aspects of yourself you choose to bring to this place  
are welcome here.

Reciprocate! Welcome, embrace and learn from others  
(even in the face of apparent hostility or misunderstanding).

Thoughtful, careful and courteous contributions are a gift,
and never knowingly diminish, dehumanize, harm or harass others.

To act against this spirit invites ostracism, 
a loss that diminishes us all.

Thank you.

This is a work in progress.