Roots of Accountability
ReSpec uses five Roots of Accountability to spotlight themes that are common and critical to engaging genuinely with accountability. We approach each of these in a well-rounded way that honors our experiences as people who have caused harm as well as acknowledges and takes responsibility for the roles we’ve played in harming others.
Below are our five Roots with brief descriptions of why we believe each are deeply related to accountability.
Vulnerability
Why? Vulnerability requires us to let down some of our armor and defensiveness in order to tap into empathy and undersatnding of the emotaionl reality of what we’ve done. It also enables us to forge genuine connections moving forward. The more present we can be in our vulnerability, putting aside the fear, shame, defensiveness, and armor, the more presently others will be able to meet our genuine and whole selves.
Living Our Values
Why? Coming to terms with causing harm often creates a clash with our values: either I did something I don’t believe in, or I did something I do believe in, but the outcome was unexpectedly harmful. Getting clear about our values allows us to be intentional about acting in a way that honors them, and it enables us to recognize when we are out of alignment with them in the future.
Naming our Harm
Why? Naming what we’ve done is a critical part of survivor-centered accountability because it acknowledges the reality of those we’ve harmed. Instead of denying, minimizing, or obscuring the harm, we want to strive towards standing in the truth and breaking norms of silence. When we can name our harm, we better understand ourselves as well as our survivors.
Connection and Support
Why? When we have accountable support from people in our lives, it not only reinforces the changes and commitments we make moving forward but also reduces the likelihood of us causing harm again in the future.
Taking Care of Ourselves
Why? We often make our worst decisions and treat those around us the most poorly when we ware stressed, burnt out, depressed, lonely, angry, or unwell. By committing to our own wellness and respecting our own boundaries, we allow ourselves to show up as intentionally, compassionately, and patiently as we can for those around us.