The Fifth Direction Community Guidelines.

Last updated: August 2024

By joining and belonging to our community, you agree to abide by our Community Guidelines and Copyright Notice as follows:

The community of The Fifth Direction abide by the ‘The Four Agreements’ stemming from ancient Toltec wisdom and proposed by author and teacher Don Miguel Ruiz:
— Be impeccable with your word
— Don’t take anything personally.
— Don’t make assumptions.
— Always do your best.
Respect of Place and Traditional Owners. We ask that you acknowledge the traditional stewards of the land upon which you stand. We ask that you recognise their everlasting connection to country and culture and pay respect to Elders, past, present and emerging.
Brave Space. While The Fifth Direction is a space for everyone to share, you are asked to take full responsibility for your words and actions. Respectful dialogue, even when challenging, helps us become better humans. Ultimately, each of us is in charge of our own experience.
Advice-Free Zone. Giving advice is rarely appropriate unless specifically and directly asked for. Feedback will only be offered by seeking permission first, and then speaking from your own experience. We are all students.
No Rescuing. We are not here to rescue, fix or solve problems for others. There is no destination, only connection and support in walking the way together.
‘I’ Language. We encourage the use of ‘I’ statements rather than general ones which imply you speak for the collective. This will assist you in fully owning your story.
No Moralising. Refrain from expressing personal judgements about supposed right and wrong. Rather than ‘should-ing’ each other, we can learn to dance in the tension of opposing views, where life thrives.
Posting Quotes, Memes, Videos, Links or Images. Rather than reflexively posting something without context, we believe it’s important to contemplate first and then put some language around why you felt called to share this with the community. What is your intention in sharing? Why was this helpful or inspiring? How does it relate to current themes we are exploring?
Feel Your Feelings. You have a right to all your emotions. They have a message which enables us to learn and grow. Own them, identify them and give them room. Take responsibility for your emotions and do your best to speak for them and not from them.
Unconditional Positive Regard. Please help us create a welcoming environment by treating every person with kindness and compassion.
Respect. It’s your responsibility to be on time for sessions and to listen fully when another is speaking, without interruption.
No Hate Speech or Bullying. The Fifth Direction has zero tolerance for this kind of behaviour – one strike and you’re out. Bullying of any kind is prohibited. Degrading comments about race, religion, culture, orientation, gender, identity or ability is completely unacceptable.
Direct Communication. The Fifth Direction platform provides an opportunity for members to connect and communicate directly with each other. We believe this to be positive, but it does come with a word of caution. Online and off, some humans may not have your best interests at heart, and we strongly encourage you to only accept requests from people you know or have adequately vetted. If you feel any member is attempting to take advantage of you, or that you are being made to feel unsafe, please report this activity to us and it will be dealt with immediately.
Confidentiality and Privacy. Belonging to The Fifth Direction requires mutual trust. Authentic, expressive discussions are encouraged, but may also include sensitive and private information. You are welcome to discuss your own experiences externally, but absolutely not that of others. No individual’s identity or story is to be shared outside The Fifth Direction. However, if anyone reveals information that indicates the potential for harm to themselves or others, we each have a duty of care to refer them directly and immediately to an administrator.
Spam. Spam and irrelevant links are not acceptable. This includes messaging such material to others individually.
Promotion. If you have an event or service that you feel is relevant and of benefit to the community, please email details to info@thefifthdirection.com prior to posting and we will be in touch with next steps.
The Fifth Direction is a welcome community for everyone. This includes people of all genders, faiths, backgrounds, orientations, ages and abilities.
The Administrators and Stewards are the guardians of the Code.
The Fifth Direction is not a counselling service. If you need immediate assistance, please refer to your local crisis support centres. In Australia, please contact:
— Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
— Lifeline: 13 11 14