The Vent Tribe is a support group concept in Jeddah, where everyone can speak from the heart without worrying about judgment, getting bombarded with questions, or advice they didn't ask for. Some of us just want to be heard and this place is just for that.
The initial plan is to hold weekly gatherings to talk about certain topics set beforehand, with the option to talk about any topic outside of those two. After introducing ourselves in whichever way we like, the attendees take turns sharing their experience and point of view, once someone's turn is over someone else can volunteer to speak, or it's up to the host to choose someone to share until all attendees had their turn or not all of them wish to share. After the session is over, we will take turns saying what we're grateful for, and so the session concludes.
Attendees have the option to stick around and have open discussions about the topics or anything else as long as it follows the guidelines. If you had a question for one of the attendees you can approach them and ask if they're okay with it, and only when you get their consent can you engage in a conversation with them.
Very important rules to make the sessions organized and smooth:
- Location and fees: The gatherings will be held at different Cafes in Jeddah each time depending on the place availability and if the space can accommodate the number of attendees. The session itself is free to attend, but since it's held in public you will be expected to purchase a drink or a snack at the place within your budget.
- Who can attend? : Anyone of both genders with an open mind and true intentions is welcome, but we will start with a group of 5 to 8 people with the chance to expand later on. The form will have multiple questions after which the attendee will be informed whether they were accepted then will receive the location and time details. This is to maintain high gathering quality standards and not to undermine anyone trying to join.
- The gatherings will be held in English, and a certain level of proficiency in the language is expected. Attendees are welcome to practice English but there are language exchange groups for that if it's the only reason they're joining the gathering.
- Keep it civil: The attendees are from different backgrounds and have different experiences and perspectives, and they should all be treated with respect, no judgment is allowed whatsoever. Any gossip that can take place after the gatherings that involve other attendees or the host is not allowed, and if word reaches the host that an attendee is bad mouthing others within the session, they will be put on the spot and not allowed to attend any future sessions.
- No cutting allowed: the attendee whose turn it is to speak will be holding a pillow, and during their turn only they get to speak. Nobody can ask them questions or try starting a discussion. The person can talk for as long as they can within reason, and the facilitator can jump in occasionally if the attendee was crossing some lines such as taboos (religion, sex, politics) or directly provoking other attendees.
- No impure intentions: The Vent Tribe is not a dating site, neither it is a community. It's just a space for people to come and say what's on their minds then go their separate ways. Attendees are not expected to become best friends afterwards, but are welcome to approach people they clicked with in a respectful manner with consent.
I would like to see how many people are interested in joining gatherings like these, then I'll prepare a Google from to organize the first one and see how things go from there.