Feminist Process

Feminist PRocess

The principles of feminist process for holding decision-making meetings and discussions includes the following:

Respect the Facilitator(s)

• Members should be aware of the facilitator(s) and their responsibility to ensure a comradely and productive meeting.

Identify Goals and Objectives for the Meeting 

• Friction is more likely where meetings do not have clear purposes and outcomes, so agendas should state with what the objectives and goals of a particular meeting are.

“Share the Air” 

• Members should be aware of how often they are speaking or interjecting, and make an effort to save their comments or questions if they are interrupting or dominating the conversation.

Make “I” Statements

• Rather than objective assertions, statements framed as “I think…” and “I feel….” and “In my experience…” should be used in political discussions.

Address Behavior, Not Individuals 

• If the course of a conversation or discussion has become contentious, address the behavior causing the problem rather than attack the individual(s) involved.

Consider Your Position

• Think consciously of our social positions, allowing us to work across our race, gender, sexuality and social differences in ways that are supportive.

Do Not Be Afraid to Apologize or Ask for an Apology

• Comrades should be comfortable asking for resolution through apology, and comrades should freely offer apologies with the understanding that cooperation is built through mutual understanding and trust.

Do Not Assign Motives 

• Assuming good faith includes not assuming you understand other people’s motives for taking or supporting a particular position.

Be Mindful of Jargon

• Everyone should feel comfortable expressing themselves, try to avoid use of jargon or in-group speak.