How to use the cards

The cards are categorized into two main groups. The first group contains statements. With these cards, each participant chooses whether they agree, disagree, or are unsure before discussing together. The second group consists of reflection questions, intended for open contemplation and sharing thoughts aloud.

You’ll find four main themes in the cards: preventing sexual harassment, equality and diversity, counteracting manipulative behaviour, and language as a tool. The last category covers important concepts in equality and diversity work.

In “Customise the cards”, you can see all the questions and statements and choose the most relevant cards for your conversation. You can mark topics you want and pick statement or reflection cards. You can also shuffle the categories and draw random cards, regardless of theme or card type.

The cards might contain unfamiliar concepts. Use the question mark icon to see brief explanations. For longer definitions, see our dictionary page.

How to create safer conversations

• Ensure that everyone present has a chance to speak, and avoid interrupting each other.
• Interpret each other’s responses in good faith. If someone’s opinion is unclear, ask a follow-up question instead of assuming their intent. Refrain from attributing opinions to one another.
• Be mindful that discussing discrimination can be particularly challenging for individuals who experience the type of discrimination being discussed. Listen to personal experiences.

Suggested ways to use the cards:

• A person reads a card’s statement. Everyone shows a thumbs-up, thumbs-down, or horizontal thumb to share their view. Then, those interested can discuss their thoughts.
• After reading a card’s statement, everyone positions themselves between two walls to show their stance. One wall means total agreement, the opposite wall means total disagreement, with the space in between forming a scale. Then, those who wish can discuss their thoughts.
• Sometimes, smaller group discussions are easier. If you use space as a scale, people who are close to each other can first share their thoughts before the larger group discussion.
• Consider scheduling card discussions on specific occasions. For example, you can draw a card during Monday meetings or each time you meet. Longer conversation about statements and questions could be set for quarterly internal days.

We’re interested in your experience with using the cards and your thoughts on what works well and what could be better. If you wish to share your thoughts, please send us an e-mail at hei@balansekunst.no.