TOOL’S CATEGORY:

collective articulation   communication   entanglement   generating intimacy   game   operating from care   resilience   value system

DESCRIPTION:

This tool proposes a change of dynamic in the organisation of groups and collectives, and in the power relations created within them. The aim is to articulate and operate without there being a leading or decision-making group, thus putting forward a horizontally-conceived space.

INSTRUCTIONS:

It’s about being aware of the responsibilities that each one has and is able to take over as part of the group. Being there for the group and its members, not trying to do or fix things for them. In this case, ‘being there’ translates as taking the time to listen to the stories of others, even when we don’t understand what we are hearing. Putting assertiveness and empathy into practice in order to create a good atmosphere and facilitate agreements.

YOU WILL NEED:

A group or a collective.

TIPS / CAVEATS:

Putting ourselves at the centre can often be tempting, can even look necessary. For instance, when project completion times take longer than expected, or when we perceive that someone is losing involvement, and an attempt is made to centrally take over the reins.

FUNCTION IN TE( N ) CUIDADO:

When setting up the project’s Catalysts work groups, Larre, the driving force behind TE( N ) CUIDADO, has tried to get out of the centre of their working dynamics, keeping only a role of coordinators. In some situations, this has been possible, though in other ones not so much, or has not been possible at all.