Power of connection: making the web visible

  • Maintain the bond
  • Form a bond
  • Deconstruct (oneself)
  • Empower
  • Think
  • Meet

Goals:

To make the connections between individuals in a group visible, highlighting the power of these connections. This visibility allows the group to realize who has strong ties within the group and who has fewer (and therefore less power). This awareness then enables the group to strengthen connections with those who have the fewest.

Participants:

2 à 6, 7 à 15

Duration:

30'

Required equipment:

Optionally, a whiteboard or large sheet of paper to map out the connections.

Space requierment:

A quiet area where everyone can sit in a circle.

Requirements:

This exercise must only be used if everybody has given their absolute informed consent.. It is essential to discuss beforehand with the entire group its relevance, and it should only be carried out if the group has unanimously decided to do so. If unanimity is not reached or if the group is not fully present, it is best not to proceed.

Preparation

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

Next, she reads, also point by point, To go further.

Process

  • This exercise is intended to make the power of connection visible in order to share it and take care of those who possess the least within the group. It must never be used solely to observe the state of power dynamics. A discussion can follow (are you satisfied with the current situation, what can you do about it, what would you like to do about it?) and additional exercises and methods should be employed afterwards to rebalance power by better integrating those who wish to be more included. For example, icebreaker protocols can then be used to advance to a higher level of intimacy if individuals and the group so desire.

    Building connections represents work that is rarely easy. One may feel discomfort, shyness, or even anxiety when reaching out to someone they don’t know or barely know. However, when power within a group relies on this factor, it is crucial to observe it, name it, and address it if we want to avoid recreating systems of elitism and domination

  • Sit in a circle.

  • Name one person. Those who consider themselves to already have a particular connection with them raise their hand. The group observes the number of hands raised.

  • Repeat the sequence for each person present.

To go further

To also observe the level of intimacy connecting group members, the exercise can be repeated with the following four levels:

  1. I know this person's first name.

  2. I have briefly engaged in small talk with this person.

  3. I have had one-on-one interactions with this person outside of this group.

  4. I have shared moments of intimacy and vulnerability with this person outside of this group.

This time, for each person, the facilitator asks participants to raise their hand if they know the individual at level 1, then at level 2, then at level 3, and finally at level 4.

If the group wishes, it is possible to draw these connections on a sheet of paper. In this case, all names should be written and arranged in a circle on the page. Each positive response is represented by a line drawn between the names of the individuals concerned. Intimacy levels can be made visible by making the line thicker as the level of intimacy increases.

References

This tool was developed in this form by the collective la colle.

Feedback

Suggest a tool !