Avoid colonization and the imposition of deliberative practices.
To avoid this is to become aware of how the practices and discourses of colonialism are reproduced.
Practices to implement
Before any interaction, take some time to do Activity 01. Global North Self-Mapping.
Be transparent about expectations and needs in our interactions and collaborations.
Always start with an alignment of interests, goals and conditions for interaction. Openly discuss pros and cons for each Global North and Global South organization/colleague to be in that interaction to ensure costs and benefits are balanced between Global North and South actors.
If costs and benefits are not balanced, consider the extent to which Global North actors could give things up or if there is some sort of affirmative action they could take towards a more balanced interaction or collaboration.
Understand the tools, categories and elements necessary for deliberative democracy exercises in the Global South to respond to the particularities of their contexts. Pay attention and document situations where inequality is dealt with, asking and discussing questions such as the following:
If you (Global South) had more money would this be easier?
If we applied our (Global North) tools in this context would the results be the same?
