Their purpose
They help ensure that everyone gets their voice heard equally and fairly.
It also allows you to hold invited meeting guests to account for how they behave.
Setting house rules
The power of house rules is that they are created and agreed upon as a group.
You can create them during a meeting, whether it is online or in person. Ask your group how they would like to decide on your agreed list of rules. You can do this by:
splitting into groups and writing down ideas
having discussions in smaller breakout rooms for an online meeting
coming up with ideas together, with a nominated note taker
Your local community organiser can help you facilitate the meeting. Email housingrightsdefenders@shelter.org.uk to be connected with your local organiser.
Sharing house rules
Make your house rules visible during meetings and events, such as on a poster.
You might want to assign someone the role of ‘house rules adviser’. Their role would be to gently remind someone of the rules if they are breaking them.
Top tip! Your house rules should not be set in stone. You can always add or change them as your campaign progresses.
Example house rules
all are welcome
we will not tolerate racism or discrimination
everyone gets the chance to speak