Guiding Principles
Every community has its rules. Laws, rules, codes of conduct, norms, and expectations surround us. The prevailing rules of our society are not particularly conducive to flourishing community and village among women. The foundational principles for I Follow Her are designed as a counterbalance. Some may seem in tension with prevailing norms, especially for online interactions. That is the nature of pushing against the boundaries of what we are used to. And that is how and where we will make space to build the village women need.
In no particular order, the Guiding Principles of the I Follow Her digital village are:
Objective truth, facts, and history exist.
I Follow Her does not operate in the post-fact society. We do not argue the facts. We seek expertise and let the experts explain the facts. Our understanding of what is true impacts our understanding of plot, conversations, and interviews. Across I Follow Her platforms we begin with a shared understanding of the facts. Honesty is critical and has to be respectfully practiced in order to be effective. Knowledge of history is relevant to understand the present.
Aspire to Optimism.
The I Follow Her approach to optimism considers both interpersonal and global manifestations of optimism. Interpersonally, we aspire to give others the benefit of the doubt. To never assume malicious intentions. To aspire towards that shared understanding of something true. The emphasis on interpersonal optimism is not out of naivete or a belief that everyone is or must be operating with the best intentions, but rather that a discussion about intentions at all is a distraction.
The state of global affairs and 24/7 bad news machines can leave anyone feeling a bit cynical. As though there’s nothing we can do to improve the state of things. Broader, more global optimism targets that creeping cynicism. No matter the topic, the village seeks hope and actionable information. Looking for that requires a level of optimism and ownership. Simply put, the belief that we can make the world better is critical to actually making the world better.
No one is right all the time.
Being wrong is a universal experience. Everyone, everyone, everyone makes mistakes. Everyone has been wrong. To err is human we say, the defining characteristic of humanity. But we frequently don’t allow for it—in others and in ourselves. I Follow Her aims to help normalize mistakes, and helping one another grow in the face of being wrong. Everyone is allowed and encouraged to be wrong, learn, grow, and change our minds. It can feel bad to be wrong and that feeling is normal.
Data is useful.
Being “data-driven” is starting to sound like an overused corporate buzzword, such that it loses real meaning. But at the root of that directive is the idea that information is power. In order to build a new village, we will need all the power we can get. Being attentive to data on audience, receiving feedback, will make for better conversations and reception . Data is also useful to our audience. Whether coming to the I Follow Her community through the book, podcast, or online platform, I Follow Her aims to share topical information and links to helpful resources.
Emotional safety in the I Follow Her village is relevant.
Whether or not you believe there is some theoretical reason to allow online platforms to devolve into hellscapes of internet trolls spewing racist or misogynistic drivel, it is an allowance. Our largest online platforms all made a choice to prioritize a private idea of free speech (not the actual constitutional right) to be more important than the emotional safety of the end user. I Follow Her makes a different choice. Black lives matter . The legal system is a mess. White supremacy exists and is bad. Love is love is love. Don’t be a jerk. I Follow Her is guided by the idea that these truths are relevant and we expect all village participants and contributors to act accordingly.
Only pie is pie.
Justice, peace of mind, financial resources, support, love, etc. are not pie. These most valuable resources are not finite where more for one means less for another.
Be kind.