When facing challenges to liberation and positive change, it can be difficult to know how to navigate them and create meaningful progress. That's where the 3 A's come in - Awareness, Accountability, and Agency. By asking ourselves certain questions related to these concepts, we can gain clarity and move forward towards solutions.
As part of our Change Network program, our Associate Director of Curricula Jana Lynne Umipig has developed a framework to explore the 3 A's for critical reflection, practicing honesty and navigating challenges in a thoughtful and effective way. Organizations can gain a better understanding of their role in creating positive change and take actionable steps towards a more equitable future by honestly asking these questions and humbly addressing the truths that surface.
In this article, we will explore the 3 A's in-depth, starting with what they mean and why they are important. We will also provide real-life examples of how the 3 A's can be applied to various global challenges, from climate change to racial justice to mental health as well as how to utilize them in everyday life. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how to implement the 3 A's in your own organization.
The first step to making any meaningful change is to become aware of the situation. This requires us to ask ourselves “What do we know and what don’t we know?” as well as practice a good amount of humility to identify where we can grow in our understanding and how we might learn from others. It also involves asking “Have I opened my mind to all perspectives and viewpoints?” , even those that may challenge our own beliefs.
Awareness is a crucial component of the 3 A's because it allows us to see the full picture and understand the scope of the challenge at hand. Without awareness, we may be tempted to jump to conclusions or make assumptions that are not based in reality. By taking the time to become aware of the situation, we can approach it with a more clear and open mind.
Once we are aware of the situation, we must take a moment to ask ourselves, “Where am I responsible, and have I taken that responsibility for my words, actions and ways of being?” This could mean acknowledging where we are responsible and making amends for harm done. It also means reflecting on the question, “How am I holding others accountable for their words, actions, and ways of being?”
Accountability is important because it allows us and others to take ownership of our role in the situation and make changes where necessary. Often the word accountability brings feelings of fear, nervousness or other somatic discomfort because it is most frequently presented with a punitive connotation. However, accountability is not about blame or punishment - it is about taking action to create positive change.
Finally, we must ask ourselves “What do we have the power to change and what don’t we have the power to change?” Even small changes can make a difference, and it’s important to recognize where we have agency. At the same time, we must also accept that there are some things we cannot change, no matter how hard we try.
Agency is about recognizing our own power and using it to create positive change. It's about taking action, no matter how small, to make a difference. At the same time, it's important to recognize that there are limitations to our agency - we cannot control everything, and there are some things that are beyond our control. By recognizing both our power and our limitations, we can approach challenges with a more balanced and effective mindset.
Together, the 3 A's provide a comprehensive approach to problem-solving that emphasizes personal responsibility, open-mindedness, and the impact of individual action.
Let’s take a closer look at how the 3 A's can be applied to various challenges and see examples of the critical questions in action.
Awareness: What do we know about the current effects of climate change and its impact on the planet? What don’t we know? How can we learn from experts in the field? Are we open to considering different perspectives on this issue?
Accountability: What role do we play in contributing to climate change? Can we humbly consider where we might be responsible for part of the problem? How can we make changes to reduce our impact? Are we also holding corporations and governments accountable for their role in climate change?
Agency: What actions can we take to reduce our carbon footprint? How can we advocate for policy changes that will have a larger impact? What are the limitations of our individual action, and how can we work together to create systemic change?
Climate change is a complex issue just like many others that require a comprehensive and reflective approach. By applying the 3 A's, we can become more aware of the issue, take responsibility for our role in contributing to it, and use our agency to create positive change.
Awareness: How have systemic racism and discrimination impacted systematically excluded communities? What don’t we know about the experiences of these communities? Are we open to listening to and learning from those who have been affected to better understand the issues?
Accountability: What role do we play in perpetuating systemic racism and discrimination? How can we take responsibility for our actions and words? Are we holding others accountable for their role in perpetuating these systems as well?
Agency: What actions can we take to promote racial justice and equity? How can we advocate for policy changes that will address systemic issues and dismantle them? What are the limitations of our individual action, and who can we work with to create lasting change?
Racial justice is a critical issue that demands active engagement and accountability. Embracing the 3 A's, can help us understand the impact of systemic racism and discrimination, claim responsibility for the ways in which we may be contributing to and feeding these systems, and begin to make actionable changes.
Awareness: What do we know about mental health issues and its impact on individuals and society? What don’t we know? Do we have an open mindset towards considering different perspectives related to mental health and the people that are affected?
Accountability: What role do we play in perpetuating stigma around mental health? How can we take responsibility for our words and actions when it comes to how we treat people with mental health struggles? Are we holding others accountable for their role in perpetuating stigma and othering individuals that suffer from mental health disorders?
Agency: What can we do to normalize mental health and promote destigmatization? How can we support policy changes that will improve access to mental health resources for all people? How can we collaborate to create systemic change, recognizing the limitations of what we can accomplish on our own?
For example, let's say you're having a disagreement with a friend or family member. By applying the 3 A's, you can navigate the situation in a more productive way. First, become aware of the situation by asking yourself what you know and what you don't know about your friend or family member's perspective. Then, take accountability for your role in the situation by acknowledging any mistakes you may have made and apologizing if necessary. Finally, use your agency to find a solution that works for both parties, recognizing that there may be limitations to what you can change.
In a professional context, the 3 A's can be applied to a variety of challenges, from team collaboration to project management. By becoming aware of different work methods, how team members may communicate differently and taking personal accountability we can create a more positive and effective work environment. Using our agency to find collaborative solutions and make changes can lead to more successful outcomes and a more fulfilling work experience.
By applying the 3 A's of Awareness, Accountability, and Agency, we can take part in a compassionate and conscious method of problem solving when faced with challenges to liberation and positive change. These concepts are not just relevant to big global issues - they can be applied to any challenge we face, whether it's personal or professional.
It's important to remember that the 3 A's are interconnected - we can't apply one without considering the others. By expanding the conversation and considering diverse perspectives, we can create a more inclusive and equitable world. So the next time you face a challenge, ask yourself: What do I know? What don’t I know? Where am I responsible? Where are others responsible? What can I change? What can’t I change? And who else should be part of this conversation? By approaching challenges with the 3 A's in mind, we can make a difference within our organizations, our communities and the greater world around us.
The 3A's are one small pedagogical component of our larger curriculum centered on supporting organizations to make actionable changes from where they are at with the resources they have. Learn more about the Change Network program, which offers even more tools to support you at every phase of your change journey.