"Rules of Engagement" prepared for the Head Start Action Learning Project (Edmonton) Pre-Retreat, May 24 2011, Edmonton.

1. Our Commitment to One Another Create a space for authentic exploration, dialogue, and mutual respect and support. Be the change we want to create.

2. We create our own environment. Listen twice speak once: listen deeply. "We" know more, feel more, do more, and need more than "I" know, feel,do, and need.

3. Welcome all that arises. Judgement before understanding and acceptance inhibits building synergistic relationships and confines meaning. Bring your self-interest to the table.If you do not, you are not present. If you place yours above the group's you will be an outsider.

4. Speak the TruthWe owe it to one another to speak the truth without having to have our truth prove another wrong. Don`t Just Go AlongGoing along with that which you do not embrace and commit to does not honour who you are or those around you.

5. Data must include stories.Data by itself is not enough. The stories we tell using the same data is where we find diversity, new possibilities, and can build or find a new story that is ours. Change is personal and interactive. It impacts our identity, our values/beliefs, and change often shifts the balance of power.