What are GSV Atlanta and GSV-LIST Yahoo! Groups?

The GSV-LIST and GSV Atlanta Yahoo! Groups are discussion forums for gay and bisexual men to explore spirituality, tribal identity and personal growth in a safe, supportive environment. Men from all spiritual paths are welcome. There is no cost to join.

By joining one or both of these forums, you will receive email from the group containing:

• Timely notices of GSV activities and events
• Announcements by group members
• Messages from group members
• News of interest to gay and bisexual men

The GSV-LIST and GSV Atlanta Yahoo! Groups are as active, timely and relevant as the participants make them!

What if I have more questions about the GSV-LIST and GSV Atlanta Yahoo! Groups?

If you have more questions about these groups, or how to use them once you join, you may login to Yahoo! Groups and click on the online Help link, or contact:

Can I receive a once-daily DIGEST from either group?

Yes! As an alternative to receiving each individual message as it is posted to the GSV-LIST or GSV Atlanta Yahoo! Group, you can receive a daily digest of all postings from the previous twenty-four hours. Simply select the Daily Digest option when you join either group. If you change your mind, you can always go back and change your settings to receive individual messages.

Are there GUIDELINES for participating on the GSV-LIST and GSV Atlanta Yahoo! Groups?

GSV-LIST and GSV Atlanta Yahoo! Groups have hundreds of subscribers; some contribute to the dialog regularly and some mostly observe or “lurk.” These forums are open to all men who wish to discuss and explore the many facets of gay male lives and spirituality. Some of the men have attended numerous GSV conferences and retreats and have known each other for years or even decades. Others have only met via the Internet.

GSV welcomes men from all spiritual paths and our goal is to create safe space for men to interact – even in cyberspace. Your cooperation is needed to accomplish this, so please take the following guidelines and expectations into consideration before joining these discussion forums. 

• Treat each subscriber and his beliefs with the same respect that you would expect from him.
  
• Avoid preaching, proselytizing or attempting to convert others to your beliefs. Conversely, avoid denigrating others' belief systems.
  
• Ask questions rather than making assumptions about others based on their postings or avowed belief systems.
• Own your feelings and trusting that it is better to be direct about them than to use inference or snide remarks. Ask for what you want, including apologies.
• Avoid FLAMING – harsh, vulgar public condemnation of other members.
• Have a sense of humor, especially about yourself and the issues that tend to make you angry or defensive.
• Remember that while what springs from your fingers can be an honest reflection of Spirit at work, it should not necessarily be shared on the spur of the moment. Take special care when you are feeling angry or hurt, whether by words on the computer screen or for any other reason. If a message makes you especially angry, consider waiting a day or two before responding to it.
• Keep your posts as short, simple and focused as possible. Some members report that they "zone out" after the first screen of text, or after the third idea, no matter how compelling either might be.
• While the bulk of the postings here are related to matters of Spirit and Heart - frequently in the form of personal experiences and questions - feel free to post humor, poetry, political information, or anything that somehow touches your heart. Any heartfelt expression is encouraged here.
• Please do not repeatedly post messages that are commercial in nature or that involve requests for money unless they are a part of your personal livelihood or spiritual practice.
  
• Feel free to reply directly to someone's post rather than to the Yahoo! Group. But if you do, take care not to bring the conversation public again several exchanges later unless you take the time to update everyone on the gist of the private conversation.
  
• DO NOT MAKE PRIVATE EMAIL EXCHANGES PUBLIC WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR!

Who's In Charge Here?

These discussion forums (GSV-LIST and GSV Atlanta Yahoo! Groups) are administered by the GSV Communications Committee. Their responsibilities include:

• Dealing with Yahoo! to maintain these groups.
  
• Maintenance and management of www.gayspiritvisions.org
  
• Keeping GSV's presence in cyberspace as safe and accessible as possible.

If the members of the Communications Committee feel that a subscriber is doing anything that threatens the safety of these discussion groups or our website, they will contact that person privately, explain their concerns and work to resolve the problem amicably and expeditiously.

The Communications Committee reserves the right to exclude the postings of any individual who, in its opinion, has violated the safety of any of GSV's cyber sites, used them for commercial purposes, or regularly behaved in a manner that is inconsistent with the spirit of this space. Please make every effort not to put us in a position where we are forced to exercise this right.

If you have questions or comments, write to .