7. We actively mitigate for power
Breaking down hierarchies of power and influence for more equitable participation.
The basis of our movement is the relationships of its members. We work every day to build relationships that are characterised by trust, respect and solidarity. In doing so, we assume that all members have good intentions. We use conflict resolution strategies to resolve conflicts or disagreements and grow from them as a movement. Our work is based on dialogue and regeneration and aims at collective change and justice. We do not tolerate blame between members of the movement or bullying in any form. This requires each and every one of us to be honest and open with ourselves and each other. We all have prejudices and biases that we need to acknowledge rather than suppress. It is up to each and every one of us to work on ourselves to break destructive habits and behaviours.
We recognise that our world is currently shaped by various intersecting hierarchies of power based on, for example, social class, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability/disability, etc. Therefore, each person's experience is shaped by their position in these multiple social hierarchies. People of colour, for example, experience stronger forms of oppression, as do people perceived as female.
Whilst we strive for a world where such hierarchies no longer exist, we recognise that they can also exist within our movement. We therefore make a conscious effort to give space to those people who have to fight the hardest to be heard, recognised and respected and we encourage them to take up key positions.
In practical terms, this means:
- We prioritise marginalised people who want to take on key tasks and give them the opportunity to do so.
- Our media approach includes and promotes topics and voices that normally receive little attention (e. g. the connection between the climate crisis and the causes for fleeing). Nevertheless, we are careful not to speak for others.
- We ensure accessibility for all, both at meetings and in actions (e.g. accessibility for wheelchair users, childcare and avoidance of technical terms).
- We recognise that people have different privileges and therefore different opportunities to take care of themselves and others and to become active. People are encouraged to recognise and become aware of their privileges. This includes not using their own privileges destructively. On the contrary: we want to encourage people to use them constructively.
- We actively avoid concentrations of power in individuals and groups of people, e.g. by rotating coordinating positions.
- We embed emancipatory practices in our training material to counter oppressive behaviour and language.
- Our strategy will focus on building sincere alliances with grassroots movements of marginalised people.
- We also recognise that people can make mistakes, misjudge things and generally misstep.When we give feedback on issues, we do so in an appreciative, respectful and empowering way to the person being addressed.
Due to appearances in the (social) media, on websites, by collecting donations, etc., there is a certain concentration of power among individuals in the movement. In order to keep the balance of power as even as possible, we have bodies in which all groups are represented, which work transparently and have a procedure for rotating people in the coordinating roles.