Getting a group of young people to set some basic ground rules must one of my least favourite youth work activities. The process invariably has to involve a flip chart and at least one or more of the following familiar phrases: listen to other people's opinions; treat each other with respect; and try to be non-judgmental.
It's the predictability of it all that does my head in. However many times you might "do the ground rules" you will almost always end up with the same list. But the trouble is that, as well as being repetitive, they're also really important. Ground rules ensure open, respectful dialogue, shared expectations of behaviour and maximum participation. Without them things can get a bit sticky.
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