I found these conflict resolution agreements in the book Creating A LIfe Together by Diana Leafe Christian. I want to probably revise them, but they are a good start. Thanks to Sowing Circle for sharing these with Diana.
Sowing Circle Community: Conflict Resolution Policy
When confronted with conflict of any kind, the community agrees to adhere to the conflict resolution principles and steps outlined below: I. Problem-Solving Ground Rules. All mem- bers agree to attempt to solve problems by first dealing directly with the person or persons with whom he/she is experiencing problems. Implicit in this agreement is a commitment to honest, direct problem-solving. All members will agree to the following ground rules when involved in conflict resolution efforts:
1. A commitment to mutual respect.
2. A commitment to solve the problem.
3. No put-downs.
4. No intimidation, implied or direct.
5. No physical contact.
6. No interrupting.
7. Agreement to use the conflict resolution pro- tocol, below.
II. Conflict Resolution Protocols. Community members in conflict will: • Make a good faith effort to resolve the problem between/among themselves. If this does not work, the members in con- flict will: • Ask a mutually agreed-upon member to help mediate and solve the problem with those having the conflict. If this does not work, the members in conflict will: 214 CREATING A LIFE TOGETHER • Formally request assistance from the community in solving the problem. • If the community is unable to assist in resolving the conflict, and all avenues of conflict resolution have been exhausted, then the community may choose to engage in outside mediation to solve the problem.
III. Third Party Confidentiality. We recognize the importance of the conflict resolution protocol outlined above, and agree to abide by it in princi- ple and practice. As non-involved parties, we will encourage conflicting parties to deal directly with one another. However, we also recognize the need, at times, to discuss, seek advice, or seek comfort from others while in the midst of con- flict. Such a situation requires confidentiality. As “third parties” who are approached for solace, advice, etc., we agree to provide these things in the spirit of helping to improve the situation. We do not wish to contribute to rumors, gossip, “bad-mouthing,” or the perpetuation of problems. If a person who is experiencing a con- flict with one or more people on the property approaches a neutral “third party” it is under- stood that the person is responsible for keeping the health and well being of the community in mind. That is, while maintaining confidentiality, the third party should remind the conflicted person of the conflict resolution protocol, if nec- essary. In addition, by virtue of being privy to the conflict at hand, the third party is also responsible for monitoring the situation. If the feelings, issues, etc., are leading to greater con- flict or to a weakening of the community, then the third party should take steps toward facili- tating resolution, even if this means exposing the fact (not details) of the problem at hand to others in the community.
IV. Confidentiality with Regard to Internal Community Conflict. In the spirit of protecting the privacy and rights of members of the com- munity, we are committed to maintaining confi- dentiality regarding individual and community issues of a sensitive nature when speaking with people outside the community. ping the chart current and taping it on the wall at meetings.
In Addition, this invaluable information is included in the book which I highly recommend reading.
Pet Policy, although unfinished, demonstrates the kind of broad and deep thinking community members must undertake when dealing with especially controversial sub- jects, such as pets. I suggest you use it as a starting point when considering the issues of your own pet policy. (Yes, you’ll need one.) Special terms: “pod,” a subcommunity or neighborhood within the larger community; “wild side,” the steeper, more forested side of their property; “mild side,” the more gentle slopes and pastures they intend to develop. This document covers our agreements regarding dogs, cats, and house pets. It does not cover our agreements regarding pasture animals, such as cows, whether or not they are pets. 236 CREATING A LIFE TOGETHER Pets in General: We agree to clearly state to visitors/potential members our concern about hav- ing pets on this land because of wildlife, noise pollution, quality of life standards, etc. We agree to write up our experiences with and discussions about pets so new members understand the “why” of our policies. We will have no pets on the wild side, except, as it is beyond our control, free-ranging cats. Dogs: Every pod will have 1.5 dog chips (one chip represents the right to have one dog). Chips are loanable, holdable, sellable, negotiable among pods. Chips cannot, however, be transferred per- manently, but at maximum for the life of the ani- mal in question. The dog chips (and thus the dog limits) are applicable to both indoor and outdoor dogs. There will be a membership process for all dogs. We will have no dogs running free on the property. Dogs may be walked on leash on mild side of land. We will have no dogs on the wild side. The community will fund a fenced dog park (perhaps 0.5 to 0.75 acre) within which dogs may run and play, with the amount of human supervision to be determined in future delibera- tion. There will be a regular fee for dog owners (applicable to owners of both indoor and out- door dogs) to pay back the expense of building the park, fund upkeep of the dog park and fence, and pay other dog-related expenses. Dog owners will be responsible for the labor of building the dog park and maintenance. Whole pods will not be fenced. There can be a fenced yard, run or pen for dog(s) within the pod. Dog owners will be responsible for the care and control of their dogs. Dogs who are heavy barkers, or aggressive to people, cannot live here. Dog owners must deal with dog shit, espe- cially keep it off paths. Dogs must have rabies vaccinations. Dogs must be spayed/neutered. Noise, odor, flea and other nuisance issues will be addressed by the dog owner to the com- munity’s satisfaction. Dog owners will prevent fleas by method of their choice. If it is not suffi- cient, owner will be open to feedback and to changing their method to a more effective one. Cats: Definitions. “Free- ranging” cat means an unconfined outdoor cat (which may also have access to indoor space). “Confined cat” means a cat which is confined in a building and/ or a yard with an effective cat fence. Every pod will have one cat chip (one chip represents the right to have one cat). Chips are loanable, holdable, sellable, negotiable among pods. Chips cannot, however, be transferred per- manently, but at maximum for the life of the ani- mal in question. The cat chips (and thus the cat limits) are applicable to free-ranging cats only. There is no community-level limit on confined cats, except insofar as there are problems with noise, odor, fleas, etc. There will be a membership process for all free- ranging cats. Free-ranging cats must have a bell to mini- mize the effect on wildlife. All cats must be spayed/ neutered. A variance can be applied for related to an confined cat. Noise, odor, flea and other nuisance issues will be addressed by the cat owner to the com- munity’s satisfaction. Cat owners will prevent fleas by method of their choice. If it is not suffi- cient, owner will be open to feedback and to changing their method to a more effective one. APPENDIX 2 237 Cats must have rabies vaccinations. Owners of free-ranging cats will work out cat-fighting issues in acceptable ways, possibly taking turns confining their cats. Future issues: Abundant Dawn is still in the process of agreeing on standards for pet care. Issues still to be decided: What is the minimum amount of space in which dog or cats of various sizes might be confined? Under what circum- stances might the community intervene in terms of suspected mistreatment or abuse? The community has not yet written a policy regarding pets other than dogs and cats.
