OUR WORKING AGREEMENTS

FOR ART IN PRAXIS STAFF, COLLABORATORS AND CLIENT PARTNERS

Art in Praxis is a cultural and social impact laboratory. Part of the experiment is to behave with each other with the same sensitivity, accountability, and collaborative spirit we envision for the communities we are building, and the systems we are transforming. Even as we facilitate and execute toward impact, we bring a spirit of curiosity and joy to each endeavor. We’re serious about the change we seek to bring about, but avoid taking ourselves too seriously.

While there are many models and reference points from which we draw guidance and inspiration, we make the path by walking it. To succeed, our work together must be anchored in our deepest intentions so that—when the path is unclear—we don’t give up. 

While individually and collectively, we bring a great deal of experience to the table, we also need to bring patience as we learn how to work best together to achieve impact. As we enter into any engagement together, we need guidelines for our own conduct. 

All Art in Praxis staff, collaborators and client partners agree to accept and abide by the following:

Ask questions

There are no stupid questions; all of us should be free to ask for information, clarification, consideration whenever needed. We agree to ask questions before reaching decisions. We agree to communicate and ask for support when needed. We agree to familiarize ourselves with each other’s vision, values, and plans so that we can understand and discuss our work in that context.

Stay responsive

We are working with fixed timeframes and deadlines, which means there will be a point where planning and decision-making end and implementation begins. In all our communications, we will specify:

a) what we are seeking (e.g., awareness, response, ideas, objections, etc.);

b) a deadline for response;

a) modes of response (e.g., email, an online discussion, etc.); and

c) clarification that non-response will be taken for consent to whatever is being proposed.

We agree to keep our colleagues apprised of our progress, submitting regular reports using the methods provided. We understand that we are accountable to each other for fulfilling our responsibilities. If unforeseen circumstances prevent us from doing so, we agree to communicate in advance and help find another way to complete the task.

Respect Perspectives

We are a diverse group of individuals who see things in different ways. We agree to do our best to see issues from multiple perspectives rather than holding fixed positions. We agree to see our colleagues as allies and to value all input, treating everyone with equal respect.

Hold Vision

While we will be working with many specific details, we agree to stay in touch with our vision and do our best to see the big picture.

Communicate Directly

If issues arise between any of us, we agree to communicate directly or use the power of the group to constructively raise and resolve them, rather than triangulating.

Respect Confidentiality

To maintain a culture of safety and openness for our work together, none of us will share recordings of strategic discussions or learning opportunities, or quote each other’s contributions to such discussions directly by name or other identifier without express permission.

Thank you for joining us on this journey!

Jess Solomon , Founder & CEO