Community Principles

We believe grief can reveal what we share across different backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences. These principles guide how we gather, hold space, and care for one another.

What kind of space this is...

A grieving space
Despite our varied backgrounds and beliefs, we can come together in sorrow, joy, and the entire emotional spectrum.

A compassionate space
Our compass points toward mourning loss and widening our hearts with kindness.

A brave space
In a time when fear is rampant, simply showing up with and for people from different walks of life is an act of courage.

An imperfect space
Acknowledging our limitations, we approach one another with humility, knowing our words may sometimes fall short.

What kind of space this is not...

A blaming space
We face what’s hard with honesty and care, without turning pain against ourselves or one another.

A partisan space
While nearly everything can be viewed through a political lens, our intention is to step beyond partisan boundaries and connect through our shared humanity.

A faith-specific space
Spiritual and religious traditions provide meaning and solace for many. We welcome people of every faith and no faith.

A fixing space
We begin by bearing witness to personal and collective pain rather than seeking immediate remedies.

10 principles for attending a Reimagine space

We ask you to be present with one another, to be compassionate, and to be courageous in facing our pain, loss, or grief. This is a perfectly imperfect space for civic discourse, not for political diatribe. Please show up to a Reimagine space with these principles in mind:

1. We honor the earth that is all of our shared home, and upon which all life relies upon to survive.

2. We honor the original inhabitants and stewards of the land that we are on. For those of us living in places taken from their original people, such as the Americas and Australia, please refer to Native Land Digital's map to identify indigenous names of territories.

3. We honor all the visible and invisible abilities and disabilities. We agree to be receptive and proactive in exploring ways to make this experience accessible to those who are differently abled, and to support each other with grace however possible.

4. We honor the diverse ancestry, culture, heritage, complexion and racial identity of all those who are present.

5. We honor the various beliefs, religions, faiths, creeds and spiritual inclinations of all people present. We agree to create a space where each person can express their faith without infringing on anyone else's safety, dignity or expression.

6. We honor all forms of gender expression and identity and are dedicated to gender equity. This means that whether someone identifies as a man, woman, transgender, non binary or anything else, they are welcomed and respected.

7. We honor all forms of sexual orientation. We are dedicated to supporting all people to love however is true for them, as long as that expression does not harm anyone else.

8. We recognize that those present may have different levels of wealth, access to resources, statuses of documentation and migration, political affiliation, and agree to treat all present with dignity and respect as human beings.

9. We honor that everyone has a story, other identities, other challenges, trauma, resilience, courage, beauty and depth that cannot be covered in a list or understood in its totality.

10. We recognize that in most parts of our world, many if not all of these variables can determine the safety, health, dignity and freedom of individuals and communities, and we strive for a better way.

To ensure our spaces are as inclusive as possible, we ask that all collaborating event hosts read and sign the Community Pledge copied below before submitting an event proposal.

STEP 1: Pledge for all Reimagine hosts

As Reimagine collaborators and event hosts:

We recognize that race, gender, class, sexuality, faith, disability, and other aspects of identity can profoundly shape how people experience life, illness, caregiving, death, and grief.

We recognize that meaningful conversations about living fully, facing loss, and approaching the end of life must make room for the different experiences and circumstances that shape each of us.

We commit to using the best of our knowledge, courage, vulnerability, and available resources to cultivate inclusive spaces.

We commit to creating intentional and accessible experiences that consider the varied needs of the people participating.

We commit to equity—recognizing that people may need different forms and levels of support to participate fully.

We recognize that no space will be perfect. We commit to approaching this work with humility, curiosity, and a willingness to listen, learn, and grow.
 

STEP 2: Put intention to practice

All Reimagine hosts agree to complete The Art of Creating Inclusive Spaces, a 90-minute training developed with Holistic Underground, or another substantive training that builds their ability to create inclusive and accessible experiences.