What to expect at the Zoo...

     Both of these can be happening at the Zoo on any given day, and often on the same day.  We are a community of diverse people, with diverse experiences and diverse opinions.  We sometimes share parts of our lives beyond our dogs, and expect that people may disagree.  We expect that we will disagree civilly.  Moderators, known as Zookeepers,  will occasionally remind someone to be civil, or ask someone to restrain themselves from further comment unless basic courtesy can be given.  On VERY rare occasions, if posts are profane or slanderous, or threatening, they will be censored.  The team of five Zookeepers only take this action if the entire team agrees that it is appropriate.  If a poster makes what are determined to be inappropriate comments, the Zookeepers will address that issue publicly.

Show respect for others 

    This means discussing ideas, not people.  If someone challenges one of your ideas, respond as a challenge of the idea, not as a challenge of you.

    Use helpful language.  Avoid vulgar or rude references.

Recognize a person’s right to express an idea that is different from your own

“Democracy is a means of living together despite our differences.  Democratic deliberation is an alternative to physical violence.  It is predicated on the assumption that it’s possible to disagree agreeably, that it’s better to laugh than cry, that one can vigorously contest the positions of one’s adversary without questioning his or her personal integrity or motivation, and that parties to a debate are entitled to the presumption that their views are legitimate if not correct.”

                                      -Thomas Mann
 

Speak (or write) for yourself 

    Use "I" statements ("I feel this statement was unclear", rather than, "You were unclear".) 

    Speak from your own experiences. 

    Let other people answer questions addressed to them. 
 

Speak (or write) as you would like to be addressed

    Use a civil tone.

    Restate ideas if asked.                                                                                             
 

Agree to listen 

    Understand that  what you said might not be what people understood you to say.  Expect people to ask for clarification. 

    Ask for clarification if you are unsure of what was said.