1 .
Step-by-step
guide to start
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Contact management and ask them to clear the schedule for this workshop.
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Find contact persons for support structures in your workplace. It could be a work environment representative, HR-representative or the occupational health care. Be prepared to refer to them if needed by any forum power play participant.
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Book two rooms that can ensure a safe space of confidentiality.
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Inform your workplace about this workshop where you provide written information about:
What is Forum Power Plays and what is the purpose of the Forum Power Plays? (you can use the introduction text on page 3).
The support structures that will be activated if they feel distressed during or after the workshop
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Participant selection criteria:
In this workshop, every staff member is welcome to participate, including managers. Participation is voluntary. All the selected participants need to participate in some way, no observers are allowed. No preparations are needed of the participants.
2.
Preparation
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Part 1: Forum Power Plays – 2 hours
Long break – 30 minutes
Part 2: Power Plays Prevention talk – 1 hour
TOTAL (including breaks) – 3,5 hours.
It is possible to conduct Part 1 without conducting Part 2. -
Marker batons in two different colors
Pens for every participant
Three big papers
Printed version of the manual and the appendixes
Something to keep time
Fruits/cake/sandwiches or lunch to be provided during breaks
No need to use computer or other electronic devices.
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A room with big enough space to be able to move around a lot, without visual or audio insight. A table with seating places for all participants.
Another room near the main room, also without visual or audio insight.
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Fun but might also be emotionally intense for participants.
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Embodied understandings of power dynamics in situations of workplace sexist harassment
Rehearsed strategies for handling sexist harassment in workplace situations
An action plan on how to prevent sexist harassment in the workplace (Part 2: Prevention Talk)
3.
Preparation notes
for the Joker
The role of the Joker is to facilitate the process of the forum play session. The Joker does not need specific skills or knowledge related to sexist harassment to facilitate this workshop. Consider who is best suited to be the Joker in your workplace. It is important that the Joker understands the role, is comfortable in being the joker and are able to make people feel safe in the group. Be well prepared by reading the manual carefully.
You can find plays to use for the Forum Power Plays in the Bank of plays. Pick two plays that you think are most relevant for your workplace. You can also adjust the plays if you want.
The main purpose of the Joker is to facilitate the plays.
Listen – don’t talk (all the time)
Ask simple questions, it’s okay with a “no” or a “yes”
Support – don’t overrule verbally or non-verbally
Summarize – don’t preach
Challenge – don’t argue/judge
Lead process, not content
Let go and trust the group
4.
Joker guidelines
Tell the participants that you will guide the process and take care of the timing
Make the participants feel safe. Keep track of feelings in the room and remind participants that they can take a break if needed.
Be prepared that this topic can evoke emotions. All emotions are welcome. Do not value or interpret the emotions. Let them be there.
