Confidentiality

A basic tenet of Evergreen is that participants must not disclose information about other participants. This includes both the identities of other participants and the information shared among them.

• Do not disclose participation. Many participants have chosen not to disclose their situation to their family and friends. In some cases, even spouses may not be aware of a husband's or wife's participation. Some participants would be deeply hurt if others found out about their involvement with Evergreen. Bear this in mind in all forms of communication that refer to other participants, including telephone lists, telephone messages, and references to others in conversation. Please ask participants about their wishes before you call or otherwise communicate with or about them. Lists of names and telephone numbers should be kept only when absolutely necessary and should be guarded with strict care.

• Telephone messages. When leaving messages, be careful not to identify the individual with any group or meeting or to inadvertently divulge information that may be revealing. Assume that the person who receives the message knows nothing about the individual’s involvement with any group. Be aware that some people pretend to know more than they actually do to get information from you, sometimes unintentionally (out of curiosity) and sometimes willfully (out of spite). Either case can be damaging. Since others may have access to the individual’s voice mail or e-mail, leave only the information you would give to a stranger.

• Do not disclose information. Personal information shared by a participant in group meetings or private conversations should not be disclosed to other individuals without permission. A helpful phrase to remember is: "What we say here stays here."

• Do not bring guests to group meetings. Participants are encouraged to refer friends to the group but should not bring them to meetings until they have been cleared by the group leader.

• Do not disclose meeting locations. The location of meetings should not be publicly disclosed, even to friends.