Training for Moderators

1. Training for Moderators Canadian Council for Refugees

2. Power, Privilege, Inclusion, Powerlessness, Oppression, Exclusion • Power and privilege are part of the social structures in which we all participate, and we all are at times advantaged or disadvantaged by these power imbalances. • We are all affected by power imbalances, sometimes negatively and sometimes positively. • Power imbalances create situations of privilege that inherently favour some and disadvantage others

3. Privilege that negativelyaffects those not in a position of power is oppression. • Much of the power of privilege comes from its invisibility – it seems normal and even natural. • Different power imbalances cause forms of oppression that interlock to make individuals’ experiences different.

4. The oppression may be felt as negative attitudes towards her/his skin colour, religion, ethnic identity, gender, sexual orientation, language skills, education, physical limitations, etc. • Systemic responses to individuals affect entire groups within our society • Exclusion is the result of power imbalances.

5. Examples of privilege leading to oppression:

7. Civil servants are welcome too! • At a CCR consultation, government reps may feel in the minority. • Criticism of policies must not undermine respectful attitudes towards all individuals.

8. Responses to Oppression in Workshops • At all times, be aware of power dynamics and difference, and be prepared to support the person(s) who is marginalized/has less power. • Address a concern/issue immediately, and preferably during the session. • Refer to ground rules and the CCR anti-oppression policy. • If necessary, use a ‘timeout’. • The complaints procedure is available if necessary.