Community Accountability
In an effort to support our community’s growth, Milton has created a forum for sharing experiences that have had a harmful impact related to identity.
Bias Incident Protocol: a mechanism to foster agency, connection, and communication
The protocol is designed to address any interaction, intentional or unintentional, that impacts someone in a harmful way due to their marginalized identity in the context of the United States.
The protocol is created to achieve the following goals:
- To inform all involved parties that an incident has occurred.
- To address and repair harm.
- To build community and relationships.
- To encourage a culture of trust based on honest feedback and kindness.
The protocol supports all involved parties through conversations with a team of employees called the Trusted Adult Group (TAG).
Bias Incident Report: Process
TAG, or trusted adult group, serves as the response team for the Bias Incident Protocol. TAG members reach out to all involved to hold a conversation that follows the framework of restorative dialogue:
- What happened? What were you thinking and feeling at the time?
- What have you thought and felt since?
- Who has been affected by what happened and how? How have you been affected?
- What about this has been the hardest for you?
- What do you think needs to be done to make things as right as possible?
The process centers the needs of those who have experienced harm and follows their lead in order to make things as right as possible. The process is adaptive and variable. Resolution could include but is not limited to: separate conversations between TAG and the person harmed and the person who caused harm; some form of written or verbal apology; a mediated conversation; or a harm circle. How the process concludes depends on the needs of the person harmed and the consent of everyone involved.
