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.
If one has lived in the damp cold and dark fog of depression for so long, stepping out into the brilliance is scary...while meds and therapy battle the symptoms, it is seeing that suddenly exposes us to the causes... do I really want to know?
I very much respect those that give back on this site, even though I have yet to speak to anybody. Being in the position of needing that someone to talk to makes me feel reluctant to participate - I feel like I only can take, as I have nothing I can offer in return.
@MrGeorge That's ok. Once you're feeling up to it, you'll one day be able to help others as they have helped you. 😊
Nice ... Following these principals will nit just help us becoming good listeners but also help us develop our personalities and be a better person...
I really feel that when I'm in a time of crisis, I want to talk to someone soon. Having to wait a long time for a quick chat is getting annoying. How can you fix this??
Very well put.
I am so glad I discovered this Website. I am so very thankful.
*smiles*
@BlissfullyBroken :)
@GlenM
Well said. I agree with and therefore support all of this.
I agree wholeheartedly with these, the make sense as well as showing compassion, and allowing members and listeners to step back to take the time for themselves too. A+!