Navigating in-group conflicts
This page was created to support activists with navigating inevitable in-group conflicts. It is a work in progress that will be added to over time. The information included comes from existing organizer databases and resources by movement thinkers. Included are reflections on why it's important to engage in conflict, and suggestions for navigating it generatively.
Why Engage in Conflict?
“The question is not ‘how do we get rid of conflict?’ The question is ‘how do we approach it?’” -Rick Hanson
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To make room for divergent thoughts/ideas |
We aren’t always going to agree, and we shouldn’t. Engaging in conflict means inviting many perspectives to share. Woke scientist on instagram says “what if we understood that we don’t need people to think exactly like us and be exactly like us to be WITH us and build with us?” |
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To develop power with one another, rather than power over. |
When power and responsibility are left on their own, conflict is more likely to arise because needs are neglected, people are pushed out etc. Reflecting on power dynamics and privilege as individuals in a group setting helps us to understand conflicts, avoid preventable consequences and encourage generative conflicts. |
| To direct frustration at targets, not each other |
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For accountability, rather than punishment |
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| As an opportunity for connection and generating |
The root of conflict is often a desire for connection. We can use conflict to hear one another. |
| Avoiding conflict created more conflict |
Avoidance is a common response to conflict. When this happens, we miss an opportunity to improve, and also give the conflict more space to grow and spread. |
“A relationship in conflict is like a starfish cut in half:
Sometimes the two halves can merge and become one again.
Sometimes the halves regrow their arms and become two separate starfish.
The wisdom of the starfish is that rupture does not mean it has to die. Either way, new life is possible.”
-Kai Cheng Thom
If you have any suggested revisions or additional resources to share related to the above content, please email them to kenzie@lehub.ca.
