The Green College Community Values were written on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) peoples. As residents of Green College we acknowledge that we live and learn on xʷməθkʷəy̓əm territory, and we benefit greatly from their hospitality and lands. We are thankful for their hospitality and strive to be good guests during our time here.
The Green College (GC) community is made up of a mixture of students, scholars, and community members from all over the world who contribute to an environment conducive to study, and intellectual and social exchange. As a community, we are all connected through our motto: "Ideas and Friendship." Part of having a cohesive community is building a shared set of values; this is a living document that represents an entry point to articulate our values and expectations of being a Resident Member of GC. We expect that these values will continue to grow and change as our residents do.
Be welcoming. We strive to be a community that welcomes and supports people of all backgrounds and identities. This includes, but is not limited to members of any race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, colour, immigration status, social and economic class, educational level, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, size, family status, political belief, religion, and mental and physical ability.
Be considerate. We are privileged to live and interact within a shared space used by a whole community, which includes guests to the college and staff in the office, kitchen, and grounds. Much of the work that goes into maintaining this space, especially by the staff, goes unseen. It is important that we are aware of this labour and that our actions are conducive to a cooperative and respectful environment. We must support the whole community so that we can all live and work together productively.
Be respectful. We value our differences. Not all of us agree all the time; we recognize that differences can be and are strengths within our community. In order to cultivate a productive and cohesive community, it is important to remember that everyone should feel safe to express their ideas and concerns. People should also feel safe that if they choose not to share, others will not share on their behalf.
+Be willing and open to unlearn. Our strength in diversity is lost when we are not open to new perspectives. Moreover, what we have learned may be harmful to equally valid perspectives and lived experiences of marginalized populations. Practice a willingness to critically evaluate knowledge claims and be open to reconsider new perspectives.
+Be comfortable voicing boundaries. Individuals are not obligated nor expected to engage in, and have the right to exit, conversations or activities that they do not wish to engage with further. Acknowledge other people’s boundaries and communicate our own to avoid prolonged conflict.
Be kind to others. Do not insult or put down others. Harassment and other exclusionary behaviour is unacceptable. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Violent threats or language directed against another person.
- Discriminatory jokes and language.
- Posting sexually explicit or violent material.
- Posting (or threatening to post) other people's personally identifying information ("doxing").
- Personal insults, especially those using racist or sexist terms.
- Unwelcome sexual attention.
- Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behaviour.
- Repeated harassment of others. In general, if someone asks you to stop, then stop.
Be brave. If you see or hear something that doesn't sit right with you, talk it out in a productive and meaningful way. Remember that we're different; while we need not agree on everything, we respect decisions and perspectives embodied by different people. Different viewpoints enable us to see different opportunities to understand and learn from each other.
Be engaged. Active involvement is an important part of living in this community. Community members commit to being involved through participating, supporting, and initiating various social and academic endeavours.
+Be community-oriented. Community is created in our active involvement together, and conflict if left unchecked can foster an unhealthy environment for many near to it. Make use of conflict resolution supports that exist at the College (e.g., the Green Lanterns) to help prevent the escalation of disputes and contextualize the situation for the greater good
Be friendly and patient. The community values outlined above are at the very centre of Green College culture. Patience may look like engaging in good faith with others with awareness and sensitivity that everyone's capacity is different and changes over time. It may look like inviting other residents to join at the dining table or to other activities.
Inspired by the Speak Up! project and the Django project.