“Wrap It Up, Trotsky!” On the DSA Guidelines for Respectful Discussion
Still from the opening scene of Michelangelo Antonioni’s Zabriskie Point. (Fred Gardner was one of the screenwriters.)
I’m always encouraged when Democratic Socialist candidates advance at the polls. I never had a negative thought about the party itself, until a friend forwarded this document, which helped me picture a membership meeting (as noted in italics).
DSA Guidelines for Respectful Discussion
Meetings are more productive — and more fun — when the conversation includes everyone.
Not everyone is there to talk. Many just want to listen. This baseless assertion puts subtle pressure on everyone to say something.
You can read these before meetings and forums. (We’ve sometimes asked for volunteers to read each one off.)
Making us read or listen guidelines in order to take part in a “respectful discussion” is hardly respectful
This has been helpful at DSA and YDS meetings, especially when new people are present.
The guidelines are an important form of indoctrination.
We’ve also shared them with our coalition partners as a useful resource.
Other “activist” leaders might be impressed.
1) Assume good faith in your fellow comrades
Assume good faith in each other. Please try to speak from experience, speak for yourself, and actively listen to each other. When someone makes a point, repeat what you heard, summarize, and ask clarifying questions like “did you mean X” or “what makes you say that” to get more information. Encourage yourself and others to maintain a positive attitude,
“Brighten the corner where you are…”
honor the work of others, avoid defensiveness, be open to legitimate critique and challenge oppressive behaviors in ways that help people grow.
We want to “call each other in” rather than calling each other out — in other words, if you are challenging someone’s ideas or behavior, do it respectfully, and if you are being challenged, receive it respectfully.
“And I hope you recieve it well, depending on the way that you feel that you’ve lived.”
2) Know whether you need to “step up” or “step back”
Help create a safe and inclusive space for everybody.
THIS IS WERNER ERHART LINGO!
Please respect others by recognizing how often, much, and loud you’re speaking and whether or not you’re dominating conversation. Step back to leave space for others to voice their opinions and feelings. If the facilitator of the meeting asks you to wrap up, recognize that you should step back. This especially applies to participants who have privileged backgrounds.
Wrap it up, Trotsky.
On the other hand, if you don’t often speak up, we encourage you to do so now!
Subtle pressure to say something, even if you don’t really want to.
3) Please ask yourself “Why am I Talking?”
We have a limited amount of time for discussion and to accomplish the tasks before us. When in discussion, please ask yourself “Why am I talking (WAIT)?” Consider whether or not what you want to say has already been said, whether what you want to say is on topic or if there’s a better time and place to say it, and other methods for showing how you feel about the conversation (nodding your head, etc.)
Everybody knows these behavioral basics. Assuming we don’t is beyond disrespectful, it’s condescending, contemptuous.
4) Please recognize and respect others feelings, background, and cultural differences.
Many people have different levels of experience, knowledge, and feelings in social justice and radical activism and all participants should respect and embrace this diversity.
Many people from different backgrounds have different definitions of what it means to be an “activist” or “radical.” While we all don’t have to agree on everything, we should respect our diversity of opinions. Recognize that everyone has a piece of the truth, everybody can learn, and everybody has the ability to teach and share something. Don’t use language that’s clearly oppressive or hurtful.
The reader of these “Guidelines” has decided to attend a meeting of the Democratic Socialist Party. Do they really need to be told not to call people spades and chicks and wops and spicks and greasers and micks and mockie jew bastards?
Please, refrain from using acronyms or complicated language that could exclude others.
How will newcomers to the scene pick up the lingo?
5) We have “one mic” so do not interrupt or speak while others are talking
Many of us will have different opinions on matters. However, speaking while others are talking or adding comments when they cannot respond appropriately does not build community. If you have a disagreement, wait for your turn to address it. This is basic politeness.
As everybody knows.
6) Respect the facilitator when they use Progressive Stack
Progressive Stack is a form of leading discussions which involves a facilitator keeping a list of names of people who wish to speak. The facilitator scans the group during discussion and if someone wishes to speak, they raise their hand and catch the facilitator’s eye. The facilitator nods and makes eye contact to indicate the person is now put on the list to speak, and then the person can put their hand down so it does not distract other discussion participants. However, the facilitator does not simply write a list of names in the order that people raise their hand. Rather, if someone who has not spoken raises their hand, they go to the top of the list. If someone who is of an oppressed group raises their hand, they go to the top of the list
Wouldn’t the newcomer feel embarrassed about bumping the veteran who has something to say? Ditto the person “of an oppressed group?”
unless they have already contributed significantly to the discussion.
7) Have a sense of humor
Who said movement building can’t be fun? This is a great opportunity for people to get to know one another, building lasting friendships and relationships, to laugh, love, and build a movement.
And maybe get laid.
And, as always, please inform organizers of inappropriate behavior immediately.
“Inform” as in rat, snitch, squeal… I especially like “immediately.”
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