By-Laws

We are a group of people gathered together. We share a common bond. We are here to help ourselves and others by sharing our concerns, our feelings, our strength and our wisdom.
We maintain trust by respecting the confidentiality of our group and we each have the right to remain anonymous if we so choose. Who is here, why we are here and what is discussed needs to stay here.
We avoid dominating conversations and we provide an opportunity for everyone to participate.
The responsibilities to myself and this group include giving thoughtful, positive comments, asking questions and getting statements clarified in order to understand and be understood.
We express our beliefs openly and honestly whether they be medical, political or religious in nature. We allow others to hold their own beliefs and express them as well. We observe the right to disagree. Our aim is to be free from the desire to convince or convert others from their own positions.
We will not become abusive or aggressive because of what other people are saying. We will maintain control of our emotions and act civilly towards each other.
Cell phones may be on for emergencies, but please set them to silent or vibrate to minimize disruptions during the meeting.
We are each responsible for the success of this group. I will raise my concerns to meet my needs and allow others to do the same.
I will listen actively when someone is talking and not have side conversations.
~~If you wish to smoke, please step outdoors to the rear of the Administration Building and kindly don't throw your cigarette butts on the ground.~~ West Pines no longer allows smoking on its grounds.
Let's deal with "the here and now" for ourselves and others.
To get the most out of this group, we don't come intoxicated.