Copyright © The Beyond Intractability Project Beyond Intractability is a Registered Trademark of the University of Colorado PowerPoint Summary of: Empowerment

Slide 2: Empowerment Empowerment involves helping others build their own power bases Power should NOT be “given” – power must be developed by the individuals themselves Outsider assistance is okay – Outsiders can act as coaches or de- briefers, NOT leaders If outsiders act as leaders, this is DISEMPOWERING! PowerPoint Summary of: Empowerment

PowerPoint Summary of: Empowerment Slide 3: Three Empowerment Strategies 1.Education 2.Organization 3.Social networking

Slide 4: Education Should consist of: “Problem-posing” dialogue Two-way conversations between the “teacher” and the “student” Nurturing relationships which support people entering “new territory” PowerPoint Summary of: Empowerment

Slide 5: Education Should help people understand: What their sources of power are How they can enhance their power How to approach adversaries How to represent themselves How to negotiate PowerPoint Summary of: Empowerment

PowerPoint Summary of: Empowerment Slide 6: Organization Help people organize into sustained groups capable of expressing collective needs Help groups organize their interests, and focus on “winnable issues” Help groups develop a feasible strategy Help groups develop theories of change (an understanding of how they can accomplish their goals)

PowerPoint Summary of: Empowerment Slide 7: Social Networking (Social Capital) Help individuals and groups develop social networks both Within their own social groups Outside their own social groups Help individuals and groups form action coalitions