Core Principles of the Conversational Story Circles - GrowthOD

These principles guide the spirit and intention of our 90-minute Zoom meetings, fostering a respectful and polyphonic conversations that respect the presenter, and stay focused on the topic of the session.

⏰ Respect Airtime

Share space equitably and speak concisely so everyone has an opportunity to contribute. The moderator  or facilitator will use gentle cues to maintain balance.

🔒 Honor Confidentiality

Respect the privacy of all participants. Dialogues shared in this space are sacred and not to be shared outside without permission. Share your own stories, not others' stories.

✨ Connect Authentically

Commit to storytelling that reflects your authenticity and presence while honoring the sacredness of each person's experience in breakout groups. What is said in breakout stays there. Again: Share your own stories, not others' stories.

Essential Rules

These rules ensure a structured, safe, and respectful environment during our sessions.

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No Recording: Only the facilitator may record the session for posting to the designated Ruzuku course platform. Participants may not record, no AI recorders admitted to meeting.Session facilitator can record only with permission of all present.
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No Judgment or Advice: Refrain from judging, preaching, or offering unsolicited advice. Focus on listening and sharing your own story when moved to do so (keep it to one lazer-focued question, one comment less than a minute. Expect a chime after 1 minute; double chime means time to close.
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No Side Chats: Avoid side conversations or using Chat. Maintain focus on the speaker, on the topic of the session, not creating new topics with other participants.

Engagement Framework

Typical Session Flow (90 Minutes)

Foyer Time (Prior to Start)

Join early to engage in friendly, respectful coffee-talk as we build connection before the session begins.

Check-In (15 seconds)

Share a brief 1-2 words, no sentences.

Presentation by scheduled presenter

Listen deeply to the invited speaker's presentation with an open heart, staying present and receptive. Stay on topic with questions and comments directed to the presenter. 
If you wish to be a presenter, please submit your idea to a member of Steering Team for feedback and possible scheduling.

Breakout Groups (10 minutes)

Participate in story-sharing breakout groups (2-10 people). After each story, observe a 5-second pause ( or 3 deep breaths) to honor their gift of story. Do not share someone else's story either in Breakout or in summary of breakout. Stories have rights we respect at GrowthOD.

Integration (5 minutes)

Return to plenary for collective synthesis and reflection. Again shore only your own story, not anyone else's.

Check-Out (1-2 minutes)

Share one sentence of gratitude or feeling at the session's close; what you got from the session in a minute. Expect a chime after 1 minute; double chime means time to close.