Empowerment checklist

When we enter into environments and situations that are likely to be challenging on a power level, might it be useful to keep a mental checklist to either keep yourself safe or keep you from getting screwed over?

Here are some examples of what might go into this checklist

• Do I have a voice?/Do I have an equal voice?
• Do I have agency/representation?
• Am I being oppressed/coerced/manipulated at this moment in time?
• Is my inclusion in this space meaningful or is it a token gesture?
• Am I being co-opted?
• Can I alter anything in order to improve my well-being?
• Can I steer a path away from hostilities?
• Can I steer a path towards hostilities (if you want to address it head-on)?
• Am I strong enough to be in this space?
• Do I consent to what’s happening?
• Am I in control of my faculties?
• Do I have a plan B?
• Do I have an exit strategy if need be?