We asked folk to share the equitable processes they used or are using. Here's a summary of the main points offered as responses to the question.

Kia ora whānau mā - Following from last week's session, we mentioned it was tricky to articulate equity as a process and how it changes the way we work. So we asked folk to share the equitable processes they have used or are using.  Here is a summary of some of the main points offered as responses to the question; Confidence, repeated engagement, and self-awareness; support and challenge; processes serving as protection; understanding one's positionality; reflecting; continuous learning and growth; empowering everyone to contribute; compromise; reading the energy and capacity; cultural audits; connecting with yourself and with the people around you; from these connections, a common purpose can be developed; mutual ways.  

Confidence in one's contributions is crucial in supporting the process. Having that confidence in what you are bringing and then knowing that it is going to support the process.

Through repeated engagement and self-awareness, individuals gain increasing confidence. "If you do it often enough, and you know yourself, then you start to get more and more confident through the process."

Equitable processes allow for support, challenge, and growth. Support challenge, until at some point you go, 'Okay, well, that actually works for this particular moment for this common goal for this time.'

One participant highlighted the significance of processes in indigenous cultures. "I find comfort in the process a lot... the processes are there to keep us culturally safe." These processes serve as protection for individuals and their identities.

Understanding one's positionality and challenging traditional notions of power and privilege were also discussed. 

The conversation acknowledged the need for a more inclusive approach to power dynamics and offered the activity, Power Flower: Our Intersecting Identities as a way to unpack which power dynamics are present at any given time.

Reflecting on the journey towards equity, participants emphasised the importance of continuous learning and growth. "As long as you keep trying and keep being open to learning, I think that's really key."

The conversation highlighted the significance of empowering everyone to contribute. "I like the thought of coming together and agreeing on how they will work first, I think that sets a nice stage. And hopefully, everyone feels empowered to contribute."

Compromise was another aspect that was pondered upon. "Where does compromise fit in when you are looking at ways you can come together and work together where your needs might not be fully met, and the other person's needs won't be fully met? How does one recognise the release of power that needs to come with that?"

Reading the energy and capacity within a group, building trust, and embracing different paths. "If you can bring the whole group along, sometimes you might have to go down a path that may not be your first choice... but then builds trust and builds a relationship that then allows you to move forward".

 "Doing the cultural audits ... understanding my place and position of power, where it is and where it isn't," was emphasised.  

Many in our group appreciated Dave's way of starting out with Equity as a process as sequential steps; 

1. To connect with yourself and know who you are, it's important to understand what you are bringing with you and hold onto it. However, this should not be seen as a defense mechanism, but rather as a belief in your own identity. 
2. Once you have established this connection with yourself, you can then connect with the people around you. This connection should focus not on what you believe, but on who they are and what they bring. 
3. From these connections, a common purpose can be developed to work together toward a goal.

In rounding up our discussions around Equity as a Process, we share that the basis for Walk Together facilitation is built upon the above principles: connecting with yourself, connecting with the group, and connecting with the purpose. When these three elements are present, it creates an operating system that can be challenged and yet still effective.  We call this operating system Mutual Ways which is the process that is constantly and consistently enacted along a change journey.  

Next week we thought we might change it up a bit and look at creating some understanding and actions around curiosity and The Role of the Naive Inquirer. As always we start with the definition of the term so that we can see, observe and listen to the perspectives in the room.  Often, we are given definitions to work from, which can block other potential from coming through.  With that in mind, our question for the next cuppa is: What does the term 'naive inquirer' mean for you?  

Mauriora, 
The Walk Together Team