Power and Powerlessness
1 Hr
This activity is designed to begin a discussion of power by exploring people’s experiences of power and powerlessness. It serves as an introduction to “power over”, or oppressive power, and the sources of our own power to transform our lives and make change.
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Power Flower: Our Intersecting Identities
1 Hr 45Min
Every one of us has multiple, nuanced identities that help form our lives. Just as our own identities are complex so too are those of the women we work with. Gender, race, ethnicity, age, education, among others intersect and interact to shape who we are and what challenges and contradictions we confront. As an introduction to a broader analysis of power, the Power Flower promotes a fuller understanding of intersectionality that helps us become more integrated and sensitive human beings and more effective leaders and activists.
Problem Identification and Prioritization
2-3 Hr
This activity helps a group review problems in the community, and then using a set of criteria it has defined, determine which present the best avenues for action.
Problem Tree Analysis: Problems, Causes and Consequences
1-2 Hr
This exercise is used to analyze the root causes of a problem and to identify the primary consequences. The tree provides a visual structure for the analysis.
Respirar para obtener Bienestar y Tranquilidad
5min-1Hr
La salud del cuerpo, mente y corazón se ve afectada continuamente por factores como trauma, violencia, estrés, miedo, dieta, ambiente, noticias diarias y otros retos que se nos presentan en la vida. Los siguientes ejercicios se pueden realizar cuando sentimos estrés, angustia, agobio o dispersión. Estas herramientas son para todas nosotras, seamos sobrevivientes de un trauma, activistas enfrentándonos a la injusticia y opresión, cuidadoras trabajando con otros y otras o personas agobiadas y estresadas por el día a día.
Sources of Strength
45 Min
This activity is a good for helping create safe space and affirming individual and collective strength.
Sources of Transforming Power
50-60 Min
This activity explores participants’ sources of personal and shared sources of power and introduces a JASS framework of inclusive and transformative forms of power (power to, within, with and for) as distinct from power over.
Spider Web
Examining the story of a woman who is caught in a web of interconnected forces and power dynamics that keep her oppressed, helps participants name the ways that different forms of power affect their lives and community participation. This realization provides a basis for developing strategies that get at root causes and promote both solidarity and a readiness to act in the face of these dynamics.
Storytelling Circle
N/A
This activity uses storytelling as a process of empowerment in which participants’ voices and experiences are affirmed and we build community and solidarity. It is also an introduction to listening and documenting skills.
Sustaining Self-Care
This activity helps activists explore and deepen their understanding of self-care, inviting them to reflect about their sustainability and resilience given the many challenges and risks of activism.
The Dialogue Process: Codes and Questions - "But Why?"
2 Hr 30Min
Dialogue processes -- focused on critical thinking and problem-solving and grounded in values of equality, solidarity and the common good -- are crucial aspects of social justice and movement-building work. Facilitation of these consciousness-raising processes require a range of skills that include the ability to: form safe, inspiring climates of trust and solidarity, develop compelling and creative ways to generate discussion and analysis, and master the art of questioning to probe beyond the surface and encourage deeper awareness, connection, reflection and action.
The Holds - Tools for Calming and Wellbeing
1 Hr 20Min
This practice consists of several simple energy holds that may be done on oneself or another person for anxiety, emotional or physical pain, strong emotions such as anger, fear, and insomnia and for deep relaxation. Through the energy of our hands we have the power to bring harmony and healing to body, mind and heart. This is useful for introducing heart-mind-body as a critical part of movement building, by creating space for this type of practice during each day of a workshop but also to respond to any deep feelings/outside influence that is affecting the dynamic in the space.
The House of Multiple Oppressions
6-8 Hr
The House of Multiple Oppressions is an advanced and more in-depth version of The Master’s House activity. It encourages analysis and dialogue among participants regarding what patriarchy is and how it works, and how it intersects with other systems of domination and discrimination.
The Identity Flower
Exploring a person’s multiple characteristics in a group setting helps build personal and collective awareness as well as solidarity with one another. This exploration of the complexities and intersections of people’s identities can also help participants see how their differences and commonalities can serve to strengthen alliances and movements.
Un Mural de Mentoras y Ancestras
1 HrApprox
Esta es una actividad en la que las participantes crean un tributo visual a las ancestras y mentoras que las han ayudado a conformarse como activistas y feministas, y en la que reflexionan juntas sobre las cualidades de liderazgo y facilitación necesarias para la construcción feminista de movimientos.
Understanding "Power Over": An Introduction to Power Analysis
1-2.5 Hr
This activity explores different forms of power – formal (visible), shadow (hidden) and invisible power - and how they are exercised to gain and maintain power over others. Participants gain insight into the complexities of power and the need for a range of strategies to successfully respond to “power over.” This activity creates the framework for Power Analysis for Strategy.
Usando ‘La Cebolla’ como una Herramienta de Análisis
1 Hr 30Min
Resolver conflictos en circunstancias complejas y en constante cambio representa retos para las personas y grupos involucrados, sean éstos parte de organizaciones, movimientos o alianzas. El marco conceptual de la “Cebolla” ilustra algunos elementos clave que juegan un papel en los conflictos y nos ayudan a analizarlos para orientar nuestras estrategias. Esta herramienta también es útil para resolver diferencias y conflictos internos de organizaciones y alianzas y fortalecer su trabajo conjunto. Recomendamos ampliamente iniciar con la actividad “¿Cómo negociamos?” en preparación para La Cebolla.
Using "The Onion" as a Tool of Analysis
Overcoming conflict in complex and ever changing circumstances presents considerable challenges to the people and groups involved, whether they are part of organizations, movements or alliances. The “Onion” framework illustrates certain key elements at play in conflicts and helps us analyze them so they can inform our strategies. This tool also is useful for organizations and alliances in sorting out internal differences and conflicts to strengthen their work together. We strongly recommend beginning with the “How Do We Negotiate?” activity in preparation for The Onion.
Vota con tus pies
30min- 1Hr
Hacer que las personas examinen sus creencias sobre sexo, género y feminismo a través de un formato de juego puede ayudarlas a cuestionar algunos de sus prejuicios y malentendidos y expandir su forma de pensar. Al moverse en el espacio en que están en respuesta a un conjunto de afirmaciones, el proceso hace que las participantes renueven su energía y que se fomente mayor apertura.
Vote With Your Feet
1-1.5 Hr
Having people explore their beliefs about sex, gender, and feminism in a game type format can help them question some of their prejudices and misunderstandings and expand their thinking. By physically moving around the room in response to a set of statements, the process gets participants off their feet, renews their energy and encourages greater openness.