Olympia Mutuality Circle 
Member agreements
and Informed Consent

Updated 5-8-19

Mutuality Circles are intended to support deep healing and transformation in their participants. They are also oriented in the core dharma of the Trillium teachings, and serve as "practice circles" for committed practitioners. The Olympia Mutuality Community has created these Member Expectations to help create an effective peer experience. These Expectations are not a formal part of the Trillium Awakening Teachers Circle organization - they are a local requirement for joining and remaining in the Mutuality Circle.

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A climate of safety, trust, and support is essential for this work, and I recognize that I have an obligation to help co-create and sustain this climate. I also acknowledge that there are potential risks involved in engaging mutuality, and that I take full responsibility for my mental and physical well-being.  Specifically:

Confidentiality:

• I am free to share my experiences with anyone I choose, so long as the confidentiality of the other participants is maintained. Confidentiality means not disclosing others' names, remarks, or actions to anyone outside of the Circle.
• While all participants have agreed to adhere to the Agreements and Informed Consent, I realize that there is no guarantee that others will respect the confidentiality of my communications or actions.
• I will not use recording devices of any kind during a Circle.

Personal Issues:

• I understand that engaging the Trillium teachings and work tends to catalyze ongoing whole-being transformation, and that the process can sometimes be intense and stressful. Participating in a Circle may bring up bodily reactions, repressed memories and emotions, and other discomforts, and can challenge our identity, religious and spiritual beliefs, and personal values.
• Because of this, I recognize that Circles are intended for emotionally mature and stable individuals, and that if I am unwilling or unable to encounter such experiences I should not participate in a Circle.

Health Matters:

• It has been made clear to me that Circles are not therapeutic in design, intent, or methodology, and are not a substitute for the services of a psychologist or other mental health professional.
• If I am under the care of a physician or mental health professional, I will discuss my possible participation in the Circle with him/her and obtain their consent to participate, prior to joining a Circle.  

Collaborative Participation:

• My participation in the Circle is entirely voluntary, meaning that I may choose not to participate in any Circle activity, and may leave the room at any time and/or leave the Circle if I so choose.
• I have read and discussed the Guidelines for Practicing Mutuality with a committed Trillium Awakening practitioner and I agree to practice them in service to this work.​
• I agree to follow reasonable directions of the Circle facilitator(s), and to not disrupt the Group, be physically or verbally abusive to other participants, or otherwise compromise the safety and efficacy of the group space.
• I will not attend under the influence of non-prescription mood-altering drugs or alcohol.
• I understand that the Circle may request that I leave at any time, and if so requested I agree to leave immediately.
• I agree to not make any unwanted sexual advances to any Circle participant or facilitator(s).  If I want to approach someone romantically or sexually, I will ask for consent, e.g. “I have romantic/sexual feelings for you. Would you like to hear more about that?”
• I understand that having regular contact with a Trillium Awakening teacher supports us in working with what arises during mutuality Circles. It also orients our inner process toward seeking help from a highly skilled practitioner rather than using the circle for our sole support. I agree to get appropriate support from a Trillium Awakening teacher(s) or Trillium-aligned therapist as needed to allow me to participate in the Group to the best of my ability.

Conflict Resolution & Mediation:

• I am aware that engaging in a Circle may stimulate challenges in relationship to another participant(s), mentor(s), or teacher(s). In the spirit of Mutuality, I agree to speak my truth as best I can, to listen as well as I can, receive feedback, and to acknowledge and take responsibility for my impact on others. I will seek support from other participants, a facilitator, and/or a Trillium Awakening teacher if I am unable to resolve a particular conflict with a participant.
• In the event of an interpersonal conflict with another peer member(s), mentor(s) or teacher(s), that can’t be resolved through practicing mutuality on our own, I agree to engage in one or more facilitated mediation conversations to resolve the issue until both parties are satisfied or one party opts out after engaging in good faith.  
• These sessions may be conducted by a jointly agreed upon neutral party with mediation training or a local mentor or teacher using the TA Mediation Principles & Guidelines available on our website in the member section. If there is no one available who fits the criteria in the community, then the parties agree to seek mediation through the Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) of Thurston County and report back to the Coordinating Circle the outcome of said mediation. Mediation services may involve a shared expense by participating parties.
• Currently trained DRC mediators are listed on the Conflict Resolution & Mediation page, in the members-only section of the website.

Informed Consent and Release:

• I understand and willingly accept the risks and conditions of participating in a Circle, as outlined above, and that I am solely responsible for my participation and well-being.
• I hereby agree to hold Trillium Awakening teachers and its representatives, including the Circle facilitator(s), harmless from any and all liability arising out of my participation in this Circle.