ACCOUNTABILITY CIRCLES
TENSION ACCOUNTABILITY PROCESS
In order to legitimize & promote a healthy community Tension is adopting the KECC for our Shibari studio; a practice stemming from Kink & BDSM circles. Within the KECC it is advised to adopt an accountability process which we further expanded on to facilitate it’s adoption and process.
To start; we would like to begin by acknowledging that Tension is located on unceded Indigenous lands. The Kanien’kehá:ka Nation is recognized as the custodians of the lands and waters on which we gather today. Tiohtià:ke/Montréal is historically known as a gathering place for many First Nations. Today, it is home to a diverse population of Indigenous and other peoples. We respect the continued connections with the past, present and future in our ongoing relationships with Indigenous and other peoples within the Montreal community.
Since most concepts regarding accountability circles stem from first nation practices that acknowledgement is that much more important and we want to fully recognize that.
What is a circle?
Tension as an organisation will have it’s own process and it's circle will be composed of all the members of the team in addition to impartial accountability contacts which will ease the communication of identified concerns. Each member within our organisation will also have their own accountability circle and contacts ensuring that in the event you feel unable to approach any one of us individually, there are at least others who you may feel more comfortable contacting.
The Circle: A Safe Space to Come Together
- Circles draw on our best values;
- Circles help participants respond from one’s best self;
- Circles build community;
- Circles create a space for deep listening and being heard;
- Circles generate mutual understanding and respect;
- Circles honor all voices equally;
- Circles make decisions by consensus;
- Circles cultivate mutual support;
- Circles honor the gifts, knowledge, talents, and experiences that each participant brings.
Tension as an organisation will have it’s own accountability circle composed of all the members of the team in addition to impartial accountability contacts which will ease the communication of identified concerns. Each member within our organisation will also have their own accountability circle and contacts ensuring that in the event you feel unable to approach any one of us individually, there are at least others who you may feel more comfortable contacting.
We want people to feel comfortable and safe, or at least safe(r), in bringing any issue to our attention, these processes should facilitate that goal. We may require some individuals in future to have their own circles if they wish to continue frequenting our establishment. We cannot promise to resolve disputes but we can foster discussion necessary for our community to keep growing in a healthy manner.
Your concern will not be dismissed; our hopes are that this will facilitate that documentation process and legitimize your concerns thereby finding a common agreeable outcome accepted by all.
The teams core members can
be contacted for any reason
- William Desjardins (Willcat)
- Masha Smushkevitch (Katmiss)
- Christophe Bolduc
Process
The system being implemented is a work in progress built upon existing framework that needs to be worded for our reality.
For reference implementation of this concept originated from accountability and consent discussion groups trying to find solutions to problems within the kink world. This was our first version and attempt at adding to that discussion while continuing to work on the framework needed to be developed for people to manage their circles.
Elaborating on this system is our current goal.
Tension Accountability Circle Pamphlet
More to come.
Some day...