I have been thinking a lot about equity these past few months. Here are some of my thoughts and questions that I hope can also support others in their exploration on how to design spaces with equity in mind.
BUILD SHARED UNDERSTANDING OF EQUITY
What do we know (ideas/thoughts) or think we know about equity?
What is our shared understanding of equity?
How do we see, hear, and feel equity in our context?
What are examples of equitable experiences, practices that we know of?
What is unfamiliar or unknown to us when it comes to equity?
EXPLORE POSSIBILITIES
What possibilities do we see when we have equitable mindsets and practices deeply embedded in our space, teams, schools, organizations, or initiatives?
UNPACK POWER
Who carry the most power?
Who is farthest from power?
Who is nearest (deeply impacted) to the problem?
Whose stories are centered in this situation/problem?
Whose voices/narratives are missing?
Who serves as bridge builders in representing people with less power?
Who benefits from the existence of this problem/situation?
Who is burdened by it?
How are we individually contributing to the power imbalance with our biases, privileges, rank, and/or stereotypes?
DIVERSIFY REPRESENTATION
Which groups have the greatest needs for equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging?
What are their needs and In what ways can we meet those needs?
Are the materials, examples,and resources representing different voices?
Are those in power representative of different voices?
Are those designing and facilitating diverse?
Are participants diverse?
How are we honoring and representing stories, lived experiences, skills, assets, and strengths people carry?
PEEL OFF THE LAYERS
What are the systemic layers(internalized, interpersonal, institutional, and structural) that contributed to the status quo?
What structures (policies, practices, processes, power) perpetuate the current status quo and inequitable practices?
MAKE BARRIERS VISIBLE
What keeps us from expanding our frame of reference?
What complexities need addressing or acknowledgment?
For those in power, what triggers might impact their ability to engage in the conversations/ sessions/activities? What might get in the way?
For those who hold less power, in what ways can their position create discomfort or fear in engaging?
IDENTIFY NEXT ACTIONS
What critical action will we be doing with these new understanding?
How might we create safer and brave spaces for people to engage and disengage if needed? How do we redistribute power?
How do we ensure inclusion of minority voices? Who do we need convincing?
In what ways can we adapt or improve on existing culture to be congruent or representative of our intentions?
Inequity produces harm, in what ways do we tend to individual and collective reconnection and healing?
❓What other questions or insights can you add?
Feel free to share the questions in the comments.
WAYS TO ENGAGE WITH ME
OCTOBER LEARNING LAB
For October, I will be hosting a 90-minute learning lab on "Designing Healing-Centered Ecosystems". This session is for:
for facilitators, space holders, team leaders, event organizers, coaches, teachers, community weavers and individuals who are keen in designing healing spaces.
It is for people interested to know more about the importance of healing-centered spaces and communities.
It is for people who are open to deeply reflect on their own practices when it comes to holding space for others.
NEW TOOLKIT IS OUT
Aside from the Designing for Equity Canvas, I recently released the Satir's Personal Iceberg Model Facilitator's Toolkit. The PERSONAL ICEBERG METAPHOR by Virginia Satir (et al.) is used as a change and transformational tool to explore the self. It suggests that behavior is visible to others in the external world, but the internal world lies "below the water line" and is hidden from view.
I offer the facilitator's guides on different levels - some guides are free and others are offered for a small amount to sustain the upkeep my website. If in anyway, finances are getting in the way of you using these guides for your work, please do connect with me.
VISION 20/20 NEW COHORT
Forget the exit strategy, what is your EXCITE STRATEGY?
Vision 20/20 is a group coaching program for entrepreneurs, leaders and professionals looking to re-discover their mojo and bring more excitement to their work. It’s a shared journey of discovery where you get to craft an exciting new vision for the next phase in your career.