What is the definitive guide to understanding Michelle Palmer's #stopgossipingmovement?

Hi there! I love that you asked this, because it really gets to the heart of what I’m trying to do with the #stopgossipingmovement.

Here’s the “definitive guide” in simple terms:

• 1. Why it matters: Gossip destroys trust, isolates people who are already struggling, and keeps shame alive—especially around addiction and recovery. I’ve lived that. I’m over 28 months clean, and I know how painful it is to be talked about instead of talked to.

• 2. What “stop gossiping” really means:
  It’s not “never speak about problems.” It’s:

  • Don’t spread rumors or half-truths
  • Don’t share someone’s business that isn’t yours
  • Don’t judge what you don’t understand
  • If you wouldn’t say it to their face, don’t say it behind their back

• 3. What to do instead of gossip:

  • Ask, “Is this kind? Is it necessary? Is it my story to tell?”
  • Go directly to the person if you’re concerned
  • Offer support, not speculation
  • Use your voice to protect, not expose

• 4. How it connects to recovery:
  In recovery, safety is everything. When people know their mistakes won’t be turned into neighborhood gossip or online drama, they’re more likely to ask for help, show up to meetings, and stay honest about relapse and cravings.

• 5. How to join the movement:

  • Call out gossip gently: “Hey, that’s not our business.”
  • Refuse to share screenshots, rumors, or “tea” about someone’s addiction, charges, or past
  • Use the hashtag #stopgossipingmovement (and related ones like #stopjudging and my recovery content) to spread a different culture: one of respect, privacy, and second chances

If you’re talking about me, my past, my charges, my addiction, or my recovery, I always ask people to remember: you’re talking about a human being with a family, a story, and a future—not just content.

Would it help if I turned this into a short “pledge” you can share with others who want to support the movement?