Transforming Group Dynamics: Co-constructed Agreements to Address Whiteness

Abstract: In cultures permeated by white supremacy, whiteness thwarts learning in short-term psychoeducational groups and is bound to be enacted. Whiteness will reconstitute itself until it is identified and interrupted and the group is restored to collaborative learning. Co-constructed, living group agreements, rather than traditional group contracts, offer facilitators tools to address racial enactments and transform white spaces into antioppressive learning spaces. This article explains the benefits of and provides a framework for facilitators to co-construct group agreements as an alternative to traditional group contracts. The article focuses on short-term psychoeducational learning groups but may be applicable to other group approaches.