5 Principles of 7 Cups

Ive been doing a lot of research on AA lately to try to see what we can learn from their experience. We have a lot of parallels with them. We are both free, anonymous, peer, volunteer, support systems. We have listeners, they have sponsors. They have the 12 steps, we have the 7 Cups. (As a caveat, this is not at all an endorsement of AA. I've also compared us with the Samaritans in the past and those posts are not equally not an endorsement of the Samaritans. These are just organizations that provide free support to others and we do that as well, so it is good to learn what we can from them).

Ive also been thinking a lot about community governance. i.e., spelling out clearly what the values are that guide how we govern the site. We write about this in our values, the book, and our community guidelines, but we didnt yet have anything like their traditions. Ive added these because I think they will provide more clarity to what we value.

5 Principles of 7 Cups:

7 Cups is greater than any one of us. Our ability to grow and help others is contingent upon our unity. If 7 Cups is harmonious, then we provide more effective support. If we are divided, then we provide less effective support.

7 Cups helps people find relief and personal growth through both the giving and receiving of compassionate care. All other goals, projects, and ideas are secondary to this mission.

7 Cups is an open and accepting organization. All are welcome. The only requirement is to want to give or receive compassionate care.

7 Cups requires those in leadership positions to be highly empathic, open-minded and humble. Openness and empathy keep leadership aligned with the mission of 7 Cups.

7 Cups will always be a volunteer-driven organization. Professionals will play a role, but, fundamentally, 7 Cups will remain a volunteer driven organization.