Our Mission
(What we do)
The Right Use of Power™ is a dynamic, inspiring, and relational approach to the ethical use of power to promote well-being, the common good, and right relationship. Through interactive tools and embodied, self-reflective processes, we inspire and support people to navigate power dynamics consciously and ethically with accountability, strength, and heart. We offer skills training, programs, resources, consulting, speaking, and coaching.
Our Values
(What guides us)
Belonging:
A sense of belonging includes connection, shared values, psychological safety, active involvement, and a sense of being seen and appreciated for who you are in the community. Right Use of Power Institute aspires to create a sense of belonging for all participants and members of RUPI activities and programming.
Clarity:
Clarity ensures transparent communication, alignment, and understanding. We prioritize clarity at the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and systemic levels to build authenticity, trust, and accessibility.
Mutuality:
Mutuality in relationships fosters reciprocal support, care, love, and commitment, requiring individuals to consider themselves part of a larger group while being mindful of each person's capacity. Right Use of Power Institute promotes behaviors that benefit all parties, recognizing that balanced investment is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships.
Evolution:
We commit to continuous growth, adaptation, and emergence, encouraging individuals and the organization to embrace change, learn from experiences, and innovate to meet evolving challenges and opportunities.
Community creates and fosters relationships, provides support and enhances individual and collective well-being.
Approach, Commitments & Aspirations
(How we do what we do)
Power-Conscious Presence
- Actively participating in co-creating cultures of belonging
- Walking the Talk of Power-Consciousness
- Curious about one’s impact
- Requires personal work and shadow work
- Self-reflexivity (ongoing self-awareness and ability to self-reflect)
- Being rooted in Something Larger
- Conscious of and bringing forward one’s personal power
Core Competencies:
- We engage praxis alongside theoretical concepts
- Ability to adjust perspective (zoom in/zoom out)
- Situational Awareness - moment-by-moment awareness of needs
- Awareness of harm/impact that has occurred in a group
- Awareness of the Phases of Power-Consciousness in the group
- Is aware of the strengths and limitations of one’s own personal power
Is willing to look at one’s impact and receive feedback - Looks for and uplifts diverse perspectives
- Maintains grounded presence and mindfulness
- Cultivates an inner observer
Right Relationship
- Connection, Not Perfection:
Prioritizing relationship/connection to oneself and others over “being right” or “getting it right” or “getting it done” - Awareness of power differentials and the fluid adjustment of our orientation to power dynamics as they change in every relationship and moment
- Recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every person
- Healthy Connection and Boundaries: Attending to the health of the connection (not just the individuals involved in the relationship)
- Mutuality
Core Competencies:
- Knowing when and how to hold space for others
- Ability to give, receive, and use feedback skillfully
- Demonstrates respect for all identities
- Is willing to work through challenges in relationships
- Is willing and able to navigate conflict and repair ruptures
- Ability to navigate power differentials
- Aligning impact with intention
- Can recognize the difference between their felt power and the power they actually have access to and bring the two in alignment
Embodied Learning
- Experiential Education
- Somatic Exercises
- Focus on intrapersonal experience
- Emotional Regulation
- Creating interactive, holistic and practical learning experiences
Core Competencies:
- Ability to work with someone who is triggered or emotionally dysregulated
- Awareness of one’s own internal/somatic experience
- Ability to present with clarity and ease
- Has growth mindset – is willing to learn more
- Commits to continuous development as a power-conscious professional
- Holds the space for learning
- Creates an environment grounded in radical acceptance and relational belonging
- Presents RUPI concepts and leads somatic practices with clarity and ease
- Has an interactive approach to learning
Authenticity and Integrity
- Alignment with personal values
- Fidelity/Consistency with the RUPI approach
- Transparency & Truth-telling
- The courage to be yourself and stay connected to your personal powe
Core Competencies:
- Ability to create and hold boundaries
- Ability to name harm or impact that is experienced
- Upholds RUPI Values
- Demonstrates Ethical Practices
- Represents RUPI in a professional way
- Abides by one’s professional code of conduct and ethical practices
- Works within the scope of one’s professional competencies and refers clients to other professionals when needed
Self-Care and Collective Care
- Identifying and attending to needs in a timely way
- Awareness of the needs of other individuals in the community as well as the community as a whole
Core Competencies:
- Ability to identify and name needs
- Awareness of capacity
- Ability to pause and debrief or attend to the momentary need
- Checking in
- Acknowledges self-care as an ethical imperative
- Commits to active self-care practices
Is willing to support RUPI as a community - Actively supports fellow members of RUPI community
- Create space and opportunities for offers and needs to be named
- Utilizing the harm response plan
- We prioritize time for rest, reflection, and integration
Fierce Compassion
- The courageous and persistent awareness of the strengths and weaknesses of humanity
- The understanding of Systemic Power and the way we are mutually caught in structures that do not support diversity and relationships in dominant culture
- Respecting and Valuing of diverse identities
- A blend of empathy and strength. It goes beyond simply being kind (or “nice”); it includes taking bold action to alleviate suffering and promote justice.
Core Competencies:
- Willingness and ability to be held accountable and hold others accountable
- Willingness and ability to have discernment
- Willingness and ability to “feel with”