ValuesConsent Harm Reduction Collective Liberation Emergence Healing Justice |
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InfluencesNorthNode's work is influenced by and only possible because of a lineage of family, elders, organizers + culture workers and movements. Some of the orgs + people from these movements includes: Elliott Fukui, Kim Murray, LL Gimeno, Susan Raffo, Prentis Hemphill, Nico Amador, Mia Mingus, Erica Woodland, Philly Reproductive Justice Collaborative + the dope ass members, Lower East Side Harm Reduction, Streetwork Project, National Youth Advocacy Coalition, Audre Lorde Project, and Training for Change.
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Approach + Theory of Change
NorthNode's work is rooted in modern organizational development specifically from an Open Systems theoretical approach as informed by a healing justice framework.
In practice, our espoused theory of change, often operates in a 4-step cycle (left). Our model is a guiding tool however; our work together may not begin at the assessment point in the cycle (groups may have already done this) or a client may need/want additional steps to deepen their work.
When applied to clients processes, we will:
In practice, our espoused theory of change, often operates in a 4-step cycle (left). Our model is a guiding tool however; our work together may not begin at the assessment point in the cycle (groups may have already done this) or a client may need/want additional steps to deepen their work.
When applied to clients processes, we will:
- assess and reflect back the similarities/dissonance between what a client presents and what is experienced without judgement,
- develop multi-learner, skills-based workshops/trainings informed by the assessment,
- collaborate with clients to set benchmarks and long-term priorities, and
- work with groups to the implement, practice, and embody skills (if contracted to do so)
Assumptions
NorthNode does not buy into the belief that work, especially socio-cultural work, can be purely objective.
We believe that how someone makes meaning is based on positionality. As such, when undertaking work with a client, the consultant (and partners) come in with their own assumptions about the world and understand that the client will have these as well. We make the following assumptions and believe you, as a potential client should know this in advance:
It is okay if you do not hold these assumptions and if you do not believe you have assumptions (biases), NorthNode Praxis & Strategies may not be a good fit for you or your group.
We believe that how someone makes meaning is based on positionality. As such, when undertaking work with a client, the consultant (and partners) come in with their own assumptions about the world and understand that the client will have these as well. We make the following assumptions and believe you, as a potential client should know this in advance:
- When we understand how/why we believe something we can decide if we want to change those beliefs/behaviors
- Changing behaviors and beliefs is one aspect of culture change
- Everyone deserves grace, ie. no one deserves to be shamed or thrown away for not “getting it right”
- White supremacy is pervasive
- We can change our relationship to oppression and white supremacy by understanding how we perpetuate it, even if we “don’t mean to”
- You are responsible for your own feelings
- No one owes you their labor (emotional, physical, etc) but you can ask for it
It is okay if you do not hold these assumptions and if you do not believe you have assumptions (biases), NorthNode Praxis & Strategies may not be a good fit for you or your group.