Personal Background Check-in

The facilitator leads the group through the protocol, reading and then carrying out each point, one after the other.

• To avoid reproducing biases and inequalities, it can be useful within a group to highlight social backgrounds of the participants by addressing our differences in education, physical ability, social environment, and gender and what this means in terms of abilities and skills.

  “Having a discussion about our class origins is important in groups [...] - because we don't really know each other if we don't know our histories. Being able to name class differences can reduce the feeling of isolation, of coming from another planet [...]. Only this work of healing can create a community that crosses lines of race, gender and class so that our separate strengths can come together.”

  Starhawk, Dreaming the Dark (chapter : The Work of Healing)

• Take 5 minutes to individually think about the following points, in any order you wish:

  >> Where do I come from, and in what context did I grow up? Based on that, what type of behavior (whether I appreciate it or not) do I tend to adopt in groups – and/or in this one?

  >> What privileges do I have, and what privileges do I not have? In terms of education, social positioning, level of studies, relationship to communication and interaction, etc.? Try to be as specific as possible : exhaustiveness is not necessary, just aim to mention elements that may be relevant to your behavior in the group. Note : If this was already expressed in the previous question, move on to the next one.

  >> What skills or abilities do I know I possess, and that I think I can bring to any group – and/or this one?

• Take turns speaking, each person takes 5 minutes to share their thoughts on these three points. Those who are listening commit to doing so without judgment, with kindness, in a confidential space (without later using or making fun of what has been shared). Simply say "thank you" when the person has finished speaking.

• At the end of the protocol, it is possible to mention any needs or offer specific suggestions to avoid behaviors that have been presented as repetitive and unpleasant (e.g. "I tend to take the lead too often, I suggest rotating the facilitator role").
  

This tool was introduced to a group from the very beginning. It allowed its members to be more understanding and tolerant of each other, but it also may have solidified certain roles within the group. 

-> Would it be helpful to offer people who tend to take on roles they don't like in groups (for example talking too much, too little, etc.) “Guardian angels” who could support them and intervene when it happens?

Developed in this form from Starhawk's Dreaming the Dark: Magic, Sex, and Politics, 1982, Beacon Press,