Excerpt from the introduction to section Tools for Conflict Resolution, starting on p. 44 of In It Together: A Framework for Conflict Resolution in Movement-Building Groups by Interrupting Criminalization and Dragonfly Partners. The full resource includes lots of supplemental resources and guidance on each of the practices outlined below.
For an audio introduction to this resource, see the Movement Memos podcast interview with members of Dragonfly Partners.
Tools for Conflict Resolution #
Conflict is a natural, healthy and necessary part of any group dynamic when people are able to practice accountability. Groups that wish to cultivate a culture of accountability should articulate a shared set of practices or norms and embed these in all aspects of the group’s structure and function. Based on our experience, the following practices are critical to developing a culture of accountability and transformation.
- ACKNOWLEDGE DIFFERENCES AND EMBRACE CONFLICT
- DEFINE AND RESPECT BOUNDARIES
- APPROACH ONE ANOTHER WITH A SPIRIT OF CURIOSITY AND INQUIRY
- ACT WITH INTEGRITY
- HAVE COMPASSION FOR OUR STRUGGLES WITH LEARNING AND UNLEARNING
- PRACTICE DIRECT COMMUNICATION AND FEEDBACK
- RESIST THE IMPULSE TO FIGHT AND PUNISH
- EXPERIMENT, LEARN AND ADAPT
Groups may, of course, have other shared practices unique to their groups. Those listed are described in detail to offer you a firm foundation for your efforts to build a culture of self- and mutual accountability.