Goals:

• To build awareness of the variety of rank and privilege that are present in a group or workshop
• To assist individuals to take their next step in coming to terms with their own rank and privilege or lack of it
• To invite participants to learn to be allies and motivate them to do so.
  

Procedure:

Line everyone across middle of the room, at about the "40 yard line." OK to have double/triple line.

Read a list (see below) which instructs individuals to take a step forward/back according to criteria. Important to emphasize this exercise is done in silence, to allow reflection and awareness of their inner experience.

Important to allow a substantial pause after reading each one, because participants are doing their valuable inner work in response to the question.

When list is completed, ask participants to talk with those nearest to them in the room about their experience -- to share how it felt and insights they gained. After 4-6 minutes, ask for a sample of these for the whole group to hear. Be sure to get a representative sample.

Make appropriate comments that underline important, movement building insights that were shared. Emphasize that whether we feel we've earned our position in life or not, the reality is that we are now wherever we are. The question is: how to use that position to be a better ally?

"I'm going to read a series of characteristics and ask you to take a step forward or backward as each applies to you. When something I read is ambiguous in your case, you get to decide how it applies to you. There are no "right and wrong" answers; this is to support your own awareness.

"Remember, this exercise is to be done in silence so you can experience your own feelings and reactions."

Characteristics to read
(you may adapt this list based on the group you are working with)