What is this tool?

What is this tool? 

A framework for understanding the interdependence that exists between you, your community and the systems you are embedded in. 

What is it for? Why would you use it? 

As you are seeking to create equitable systems change, this tool can support you to remember interdependence and the possibility that interdependent reality creates. 

This can be especially helpful when us vs. them or power dynamics emerge at the intersections between:  

  • You and the systems in which you are embedded, 
  • You and the communities you are part of or are working with, or 
  • Communities and the systems impacting those communities 

The tool can help…

  • Illuminate the interdependence of individuals, systems and communities and explore how the dynamics of interdependence can inform our strategies for creating change
  • Invite us to reflect on our positionality as we seek to create equitable systems change
  • Identify common us vs. them and power dynamics that emerge at the intersections
  • Provide antidotes to these dynamics – actions and mindsets that can support you to move in new and more productive ways 

How to use this tool?

This tool is broken into three main sections based on the intersections between systems, community and you. Each section contains the following: 

  • Any relevant definitions to the intersection being explored
  • Visuals that depict the us vs. them and power dynamics that can emerge at that intersection
    • Us vs. them dynamics are the divisions and polarization that lead us to judge those who we perceive as the “other” and disconnect and move away from being in relationship across differences 
    • Power dynamics describe the balance or lack of balance in interactions between groups of people in the context of a society with an uneven distribution of control and influence 
  • The Principles and Antidotes we can use in our work to address the us vs. them and power dynamics
    • Principles are the values and mindsets that we can invest in to move away from or shift us vs. them and power dynamics 

Antidotes are specific actions or approaches you can undertake to put the principles into practice