Rules are so important to the communities we build. They help form the culture, build safety and create important boundaries under which we operate.
We can be creative with the rules we choose to adopt. The Chatham House Rule is one such example that helps create trust, openess and clear boundaries on the conversations that are being held.
The Chatham House Rule is used around the world to encourage inclusive and open dialogue in meetings.
The Chatham House Rule helps create a trusted environment to understand and resolve complex problems. Its guiding spirit is: share the information you receive, but do not reveal the identity of who said it.
The Chatham House Rule reads as follows:
When a meeting, or part thereof, is held under the Chatham House Rule, participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed.
The Chatham House Rule explained
Meetings do not have to take place at Chatham House, or be organized by Chatham House, to be held under the Rule.
Any group of individuals in any sector can use the Rule as a pre-agreed guide for running an event, particularly when issues of a sensitive nature are to be discussed.
In a polarized world, used effectively, the Chatham House Rule helps to bring people together, break down barriers, generate ideas and agree solutions.
Meetings, events and discussions held at Chatham House are normally conducted ‘on the record’ with the Rule occasionally invoked in relevant cases. In cases where the Rule is not considered sufficiently strict, an event may be held ‘off the record’.
🌈 Continuous Community Clues are brought to you by Rosieland.