The Commons
The Concept of the
Commons is an ethical approach to daily life which
stresses responsibility of the individual for the
group. It is a concept that dates back to
Roman times and comes to us through English Common
Law. It recognizes that there is a distinction
between that which we hold exclusively as ours and
that which we hold in common with the community.
It suggests that we all are responsible at a
stewardship level for all things communal. It
requires selfless cooperation. In its purist form,
the Concept of the Commons is that each individual
contributes to the group according to his or her
ability, and in return, receives from the group
according to his or her needs. At Manor House,
we believe in the Concept of the Commons as a step
toward building positive regard for others and
positive self-regard. At Manor House, students
are expected to assume responsibility for the
housekeeping of their rooms and the general order of
common use areas. Simply said, if it is out of
place, replace it; if it is dirty, clean it or
dispose of it; if you are not using it, make it
available for someone else’s use. Sharing responsibilities between
roommates is encouraged as it builds self-reliance,
cooperation, and mutual respect.
Classes, the knowledge component
Academic Topics. Academic topics and
assignments may include readings from the Big
Book, the basic text for Alcoholics Anonymous.
Students will complete written assignments which may
be discussed in the course of the class.
Preparation. Students are expected to fully
participate and to come to class prepared with their
readings and written assignments. Each student
contributes to the best of his ability and gives
constructive and positive feedback on the work of
other students. In turn, each student graciously
receives the critical but constructive feedback of
his fellow students (Concept of the Commons).
Sufficient time is scheduled each day for the
completion of this work.
Participation. Participation is
encouraged and the expectation is that students grow
in their ability to participate. It is a key
component in the development of positive regard and
self-regard. It would be all to easy to sit back
and absorb what others
contribute without contributing in kind to
the commons. This would be an unethical approach
and a violation of the Concept of the Commons. At
Manor House, we recognize that not everyone is
equally comfortable in the participation process.
This is where “to the best of one’s abilities” must
be self-evaluated.
Feedback. Students will receive
feedback on both their written assignments from
faculty, and on their discussions contributions from
faculty and other students. No, we do not expect
everyone to have the writing skills of
an English major. We
only ask that you write to the best of your
ability. For this reason alone, dictionaries,
thesauruses, and other common writing aides are
available for student use. It is expected that
feedback be non-threatening and that students feel
free to give and to receive feedback.
Group
forum ,on-site AA
meetings
Open discussions.
Manor
House makes available its facilities for use by
an established chapter
of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Although not an
official function of the Manor House,
extra-curricular participation in the on-site AA
meetings is required. During open discussion
students will experience the emotional awareness
component of learning. As new students will be
joining this function throughout the program,
students are expected to welcome and accept new
members and to show understanding and tolerance.
Role of the facilitator. AA meetings
are not instructional by design, and students
continue to learn from members of the group and
contribute to the understanding of other group
members. The facilitator (sponsor) does not assume
the role of instructor but does guide the
discussions to “get things going”, and to act as a
mediator and moderator. There may be occasions when
senior students are asked to lead meetings.
