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1. Shared Responsibility
   We each play a part in shaping a community where all voices are welcomed and
   respected. Our words, actions, and energy have impact. We reject hate, bias, and
   exclusion in all forms—racism, sexism, ableism, classism, ageism, fatphobia, homophobia, transphobia, and beyond. When harm happens, we take responsibility and lean toward one another to repair and grow.

2. Patience & Presence
   This is not a race. Whether physical or digital, each diary entry is part of a larger unfolding. Participants have 5 days to read, reflect, and contribute. Failure to return the diary or comply with participation guidelines within the designated timeframe may result in removal from the project and forfeiture of participation privileges, at the discretion of The Traveling Diary. If something comes up, we communicate so the circle continues with care. The magic is in moving at the pace of presence.

3. Brave Space
   We’re co-creating a brave space where honesty, vulnerability, and imperfection are
   welcome. We protect this space by holding boundaries, practicing accountability, and
   approaching one another with openness—even in disagreement. This is a learning
   space, not a perfect one.

4. No Contests
   There is no competition here. No one story is more important than another. We let go of
   comparison and show up as we are. Whether your entry is a paragraph, a poem, or a
   personal reflection—it matters.

5. Authentic Connection
   We seek real connection—on the page, in person, and online. This might look like
   sharing your truth in the diary, attending a gathering, or simply reading someone else’s
   words with care. We listen deeply and write with heart.

6. Investment
   Meaningful community doesn’t just happen—it’s built. By writing in the diary, passing it
   on, and showing up fully, we honor this collective project. We invest in each other by
   being present, thoughtful, and consistent.

7. Radical Kindness
   We practice kindness not as a soft option but as a radical act. We include ourselves in
   that kindness, too. Whether you're writing your first entry or reading your fiftieth, this is a space for grace, gentleness, and generosity.

8. The Fine Print

By participating you agree to the following: 

• You can write anything you’d like. Please remain respectful. If an entry is shared that is not in alignment with the community agreements, the Sponsors maintain the right to remove the entry from the final bound edition. 

• Participants have five (5) days to read, write, and process with the diary. Then you will need to return the book to Smith so everyone can have a chance to participate.

• All writings will remain private within the circle of participants, program administrators, and authorized archival visitors acting on behalf of The Traveling Diary. Archival access is limited to non-commercial, educational, or research purposes under the custodianship of The Traveling Diary. No entries may be shared, published, or displayed outside this context without the express written consent of The Traveling Diary (MBP as administrator).

• The Conway Center intends to do a live reading of selected entries in April 2026, with explicit consent of the writer. Please know we may reach out for this consent at a later date. You are not obligated to allow a live reading of your diary submission. 

• Diary entries will be digitized, re-bound into a hardcover book, and archived after the completion of the project.

• All content created for this project remains the exclusive property of The Traveling Diary (owned by MBP).

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