What happens on an Open Community Call?

We start out with a little grounding exercise together so that we can be present with one another. Then we spend a little time doing Q&A (questions are submitted ahead of time). Sometimes it stays at the surface level. Sometimes it goes deep. I never know. I just try to be with what shows up in the room. Then we wrap up and say goodbye until next time.

Do I have to be on time? (Please read!)

Yes! To create a shared container that feels safe enough to be open with each other, the meeting room will lock at 5 minutes past the start time.

Will the call be recorded?

No, the call is only available to live participants. There will be no recording or replay.

Do I have to have my camera on?

No! You can stay camera-off and participate to exactly the degree you wish to. Just showing up and observing counts as participation! Bring as much of yourself as feels right to you.

I’m not out/not sure about polyamory or nonmonogamy. How will my confidentiality be protected?

I ask everyone to agree not to out anyone who participates in the call and to hold a container of confidentiality for the group. What is shared during the call (even in the breakout rooms) stays there. That said, this is a group of strangers on the internet, so use your best judgement about what feels right to you. You are free to remain camera-off and/or use a pseudonym if that feels better to you.

What kinds of questions do people ask?

You may bring anything that’s on your heart and mind related to being a loving human into the space.

I am [insert marginalized identity]. Is this a safe space for me?

If love is why you’re here, you are welcome and belong. I do not tolerate and will openly address any forms of othering speech or actions. That said, my spaces do tend to have more people who look like me than not (white, middle class, able-bodied, for example). I also accept that everyone in my spaces is at a different place in their journeys. I am willing to be in the discomfort of providing guidance if someone needs help. I am also committed to holding everyone with non-judgement and generosity as we support the wellbeing of everyone in the space.

I have access needs. How can I have those addressed?

I will have Zoom’s captions turned on. If you have additional access needs, please reach out to me directly, and I will do what I can to accommodate you.

Where do people call in from?

The Making Polyamory Work/Integrated Open Relating community spans the globe. The last call included folks from Sydney, Australia to Ottawa, Canada, and lots of places in between.