Attachment I
To the All Star One Chairs:
The behavior of a number of adults and children this past summer crossed the lines of what the Executive Committee believes is acceptable and tolerable. We witnessed the excessive use of foul and abusive language in public places and out-of-control behavior of several children. And, for at least the second consecutive summer, a “by invitation” party occurred in island facilities without the knowledge or sanction of the island staff or, in one case, the knowledge of conference leaders.
Problematic behavior is not a new issue. In the past we have had concerns about the use of alcohol and the availability of drugs within our conference. We do not believe our community can turn a blind eye to behaviors that run counter to the long held values of the All Star 1 conference.
In the past, when Chairs had complete autonomy over admissions, we often dealt with this kind of problem by wait –listing individuals. This was simple and not easily challenged but clearly not a practice consistent with our values as a conference. Our challenge is to find a constructive means to uphold and make explicit the expectations we hold for each other while creating a fair and respectful way of dealing with individuals who cross what we believe are appropriate boundaries. To do this, we propose that the chairs adopt a behavioral covenant provided annually to everyone admitted to the conference. The covenant would make explicit the values and beliefs underlying the culture of trust and safety we have long held dear and would state clearly, that honoring the covenant is a condition of continued acceptance to the conference.
We also propose that the Chairs charge the Executive Committee, in consultation with the Healing and Reconciliation Task Force, with the fair administration of the covenant and its agreements.*
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All Star One draft Mission Statement
The All Star 1 Family Conference is enriched by the unique nature of Star Island and strives to support the well-being of Star Island for future generations by offering an inspirational, educational, and restorative week-long experience that affirms and celebrates a vibrant, diverse, multi-generational, caring community.
draft Covenant
The All Star One community holds dear the values of mutual respect and care, and fair and equitable behavior. We will honor the value of community and strive to keep our commitments to one another. We call members of our community to listen to one another attentively, honor different opinions, express gratitude, value confidentiality, ask for help, and acknowledge that “everyone makes mistakes.”
Recognizing that warmth, beauty, kindness, and passion will shape us as a community of goodwill, generosity and presence, we covenant to affirm and promote:
- Honesty and authenticity in our relationships
- Words that are supportive and caring
- A welcoming and non-judgmental attitudeWe unite around the core human need to love and be loved.
Agreements
As a caring community, we further commit to these agreements:
- We will uphold the rules and procedures of the Star Island Corporation.
- We will build a healthy community in which alcohol is consumed in a responsible manner.
- We will strive to use language that is respectful and appropriate for an intergenerational conference and refrain from the use of profanity or denigrating or threatening remarks.
- We will strive to offer events and activities which are intergenerational and available to all members of the conference.*see separate document