The Inclusivity Train

The Inclusivity Train

This creative methods site was compiled by Kelli Rose Pearson and illustrated by Réka Livits (visualive.eu).

Title	The Inclusivity Train
Purpose	This method aims to a) safely surface and address power dynamics and asymmetries and b) highlight diverse voices and perspectives which might not be present in the room.
Time	15 minutes to one hour
Description	This method is the result of ongoing transgressive experiments in stakeholder engagement, intended to provide a safe space to address key issues groups have a hard time discussing openly during exchanges, but that are present like a big elephant in the room, hence adding legitimacy to the process. Relevant issues could include power dynamics, trust issues, pending conversations, unresolved problems, big interests, emotionally loaded situations, political repression or anything considered a “hot topic” by the participants. by doing so in a reflective, non-confrontational fashion and giving room for individual contributions with the use of creative images.
Describe the Materials/preparation needed	Medium preparation time
Use	Reflecting/Metabolising, Harvesting Results, Making Decisions
Instructions	The organizing team makes a prior selection of images that allure the “hot topics” that will most probably be left unsaid during the gathering of the group. Before the end of the session, the methodology is introduced and participants are invited to go outside, take time to reflect and choose one or more pictures that represent something or someone they feel should be included and may have been left outside the conversation. The organizing team rearranges the room in a way a “fish bowl” can happen. Participants are invited back into the room and asked to find a place to sit in this new configuration. The rules of the fish bowl are explained and the host/facilitator begins with an image or his or her own in order to show the group how to give voice to those important voices/perspectives. People show their images to the group and share why they have chosen them and what should be included in the discussion and the overall project/plan going forward. Participants can take the pictures as a token or they can be recycled for another session. The organizing team register what participants share and make sure it is included.
Tips	Make sure participants are constantly invited to have an open mind and attitude, practice generative listening where people can share in order to add to co-creation and to keep a respectful environment at all times.
References & Resources	North, J. & Aspling, A. (2014). A Meta Collaboratory: The Global Responsible Leadership Initiative. In Muff, K. (Ed). (2014). The Collaboratory: A Co-creative Stakeholder Engagement Process for Solving Complex Problems. T Macintyre, et al (2016). Co-designing Research on Transgressive Learning in Times of Climate Change. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability 2016, 20:50–55. Elsevier.
Appreciative Inquiry	Discover, Design, Destiny, Positive Core