Most friction doesn’t come from bad intentions. It comes from different contexts, different days, different communication styles. Before you decide someone was being hurtful, consider that they might just be a little clumsy right now. We all are sometimes.

If something someone said landed wrong, we encourage you to reach out to them directly when you feel safe doing so. A lot of misunderstandings dissolve in a single conversation. You don’t have to wait until something gets bigger than it needs to be.

If a direct conversation isn’t possible or doesn’t feel safe, bring it to Marissa or Lacey by DM on Rippily. We are not here to take sides. We are here to help the community find its footing. Nothing you bring to us will be dismissed.

The Gathers are for connection, not commerce. Please do not pitch your offers, products, or services during sessions or in community spaces. If you have something to share professionally, there are spaces in the community designed for exactly that. Members who are interested in what you do will find their way to you when the timing is right.

If someone signals they need more space, aren’t available, or doesn’t want to continue a conversation, honor that without question or negotiation. Boundaries are information, not rejection.

Real conversation requires trust. Unless someone explicitly says otherwise, keep what you hear in the Gathers inside the community. This applies to personal stories, business details, and anything else someone shared in good faith.

If you notice someone hasn’t had the chance to speak, invite them in. The best communities aren’t the loudest ones. They’re the ones where everyone feels like they matter.

If a session isn’t right for you today, it’s okay to step away. If something in the community isn’t working, tell us. We’d genuinely rather know.

Even casual Gathers benefit from a short welcome and a loose intention. Let people know what they’re walking into. A sentence or two is enough.

Your job is to create conditions for connection, not to be the center of it. The best sessions often surprise their hosts.

If you’re charging a fee, be clear about what participants are getting. Don’t oversell. If something changes, say so early. People trust honesty more than polish.

People plan around scheduled sessions. Give as much notice as possible if you need to cancel, and do your best to reschedule rather than disappear.

If something in your session becomes harmful or uncomfortable, it’s your responsibility to redirect it. You can remove someone if needed, and please let Marissa or Lacey know via DM on Rippily so we can support you.