Action Groups

NIPS Action Groups: Encouraging Individual Empowerment and Action

Action Groups focus on inspiring individual action rather than group consensus or top-down leadership. While traditional organizations use hierarchy, voting, or consensus, Action Groups emphasize personal initiative, informed by peer support and shared information. This approach empowers participants to decide their actions while being supported by their peers, fostering both independence and connection.

Purpose and Structure of Action Groups

The goal of a NIPS Action Group is to maximize individual initiative while ensuring that participants remain connected, informed, and emotionally supported. Each meeting follows a structured format designed to:

  1. Share recent actions and progress on a particular issue.
  2. Update the group with new information and discuss challenges or opportunities.
  3. Announce individual commitments to action without requiring group consensus.
  4. Explore potential barriers to action through peer listening and emotional support.

Meeting Format

Each meeting is divided into four rounds:

  1. What have you done recently on this issue? Timed turns allow each participant to share without interruption.
  2. What additional information should the group know? Participants share insights or updates on external activities and local opportunities.
  3. What will you do next? Each person commits to a specific action they find meaningful.
  4. What might get in the way? The final and longest round offers each participant time to reflect on internal or logistical obstacles, using the NIPS listening model to address emotional barriers. This round should take up most of the meeting.

Timekeeping and Listening: Each participant gets an equal, timed turn to speak in every round. This ensures fair participation and prevents domination by a few voices.

Why This Works

By focusing on individual empowerment, NIPS Action Groups avoid the inefficiencies and frustrations of traditional decision-making methods. Participants take ownership of their actions, supported by peer encouragement and emotional processing. This results in higher engagement and more effective action.

Script Example for an Action Group Meeting

  1. Welcome and introductions, including something new and good in each participant’s life.
  2. Assign a timekeeper and explain the meeting format.
  3. Proceed through the four discussion rounds:
    • Recent actions
    • Additional information
    • Commitment to action
    • Potential barriers and emotional support
  4. Set up the next meeting.