For Peer Support Groups
Learning and Comfort Agreements
Learning (and Comfort) Agreements
A learning agreement is a set of statements that outline how we want to be together as a group of peers. Avoid creating a list of ‘don’ts’. Ensure everyone has the opportunity to contribute. Creating a sense of mutuality is paramount. Stay open to new ways of looking at things and learning what is important to each person. Try to create a supportive learning environment. For support we want to include a Comfort Agreement. Some sample items on the Agreements are:
- Be supportive
- Ask Questions
- Exercise self-care and self-honesty
- Advocate for yourself
- Be understanding
- Give acceptance
- “thumbs up” if need to step out
- Be willing to help facilitators
- Avoid shouting or harsh voices
- Avoid cross-talk (or side talk)
- Avoid interrupting others
- Respect confidentiality
- No names of others when not present
- What is said in the room stays in the room
- Nothing about me without me
- Use I statements
- Avoid judging others (or self)
- Try not to take things personally
- Respect each other’s dignity
- Avoid criticism
- Disagree courteously
- Avoid gossip
- Share only what you are comfortable with being public