Principles for Collaboration 

• We seek to build trust and mutual understanding in all of our interactions. Give others the benefit of the  doubt when statements initially seem vague or non-sensical. Listen especially carefully to those from  communities you do not participate in regularly. 

• Respect each other in and outside of meetings - personal attacks and/or disparaging commentary or  insinuation is inappropriate. If concerns arise, participants are encouraged to check rumors, or discuss  concerns directly with the person involved, and not talk behind others backs. 

• Participants are representative of a broad range of interests, each having concerns about the outcome of  the issues at hand. All parties agree to recognize the legitimacy of the interests and concerns of others,  and can expect that their interests will be represented as well. 

• Disagreements will be regarded as “challenges to be solved,” rather than as “battles to be won.” Search  for win-win solutions and creative alternatives. Trust that the creativity of the group can often find the  best solution. 

• We rely on the best available science to establish a shared understanding of fact. Sometimes this requires a long shared-learning process, and an in-depth look at a variety of perspectives. This is part of the hard  work of collaboration, and we encourage your patience and diligence. 

• We seek consensus, but understand this is not always possible. When consensus is not realistic, we seek  to understand each other’s perspectives as completely as possible.