In APAL, we acknowledge that we are all in processes of negotiating solidarity and learning from intersectional experiences between us. As a part of these (un)learning processes, we propose the following community agreement and guidelines.

APAL Community Agreement
We agree to practice these actions at all times during APAL.

1. Value multiple narratives, points of views and ways of doing things
All experiences are valid, even if we cannot understand them or agree with them. Learn to sit with our discomfort, instead of trying to prove there is only one “correct” or “best” answer.

2. Use inclusive language
Ask people what pronouns and form of address to use for them and accept their answer - even if they don‘t want to tell us. And only make gender visible if it is relevant for communication.

3. Use nonviolent communication
Avoid using coercive or manipulative language that aims to induce fear, guilt, blame and/or shame. Express your needs, feelings, perceptions, and requests transparently, respectfully and with clear contexts. Be willing to accept the other persons’ needs, feelings, perceptions, and requests as well, which may not be aligned with yours.

4. Be aware of our privileges and positionality
Many of us are Western socialized people and have access to “Western higher or art education” and that gives us access to politicized, academic or cultural spaces/discussions here in Germany. Instead of blaming others, share our knowledge and be open to opinions that do not or seem to not fit our logic. For those who have not experienced racism or discrimination in the environment we grow up in, reflect on our position/privilege and how we might have contributed to the dominant group.

5. Discrimination of any kind is not acceptable
“No person may be discriminated against in public law on the grounds of gender, ethnic origin, racist and anti-Semitic attribution, religion and belief, disability, chronic illness, age, language, sexual and gender identity or social status.” as stated in the State Anti-Discrimination Act (LADG) and General Equal Treatment Act (AGG).

APAL Community Guidelines
We strive to be mindful of the following actions during APAL.

> Make space for equal and open discussions
Be mindful of how much we speak and reflect on how much space we are taking up. Invite other participants to share if they want to, especially those who have not had the chance to speak.

> Speak from the “I”, not on behalf of others
Avoid assuming that our views and experiences are ‘facts’ and that others share the same as ours. Let others speak for themselves. Unless elected to represent a group of people, use only the ‘I’ statements.

> Be clear and simple when speaking
There are hierarchies of knowledge. Keep in mind not to shame people who do not use “political correct”, “academic”, “artist” or “dominant” language. Recognise that such practices are often colonial.

> Give feedback only when asked
As we are all in a process of discovery, some of us may not be ready for feedback. Respect other people’s process. It is ok not to want feedback. When we are ready for feedback, express clearly from whom and how we would like to get it.

> Practice active listening
Focus fully on the speaker, show verbal and nonverbal signs of attention, practice non-judgment, give time for the speaker to elaborate without tempting to fill the periods of silence or interrupting.

> Take care of our own and others’ access needs
Express clearly our own access needs and respect others’s access needs. Remember to breathe and schedule enough breaks.

> Practice call-in, instead of call-out
Everyone makes mistakes. Take time to invite the persons in conversation to address or correct their harmful words or behaviours. Lean into tough conversations with kindness and compassion towards each other.

> What’s said here stays here, what’s learned here leaves here.
Maintain confidentiality of individual people, but bring knowledge of what we learn out into the world.

> Give appreciation
We cannot achieve our goals without the help of others. We are interdependent. Give acknowledgements and recognition to people who have helped us in our process.

Acknowledgement
This community guideline and agreement has been adapted from:

• Deutsche Asiat*Innen Make Noise (DAMN) Guidelines, jointly created by Thao Ho and Vicky Truong in 2019 but solely updated by Thao Ho in 2021.
• United Networks’ Action Day (2023) in Hannover, drafted by Nai Wen Chang, who is inspired by Nicole Brewer’s Antiracist Theatre.