In a podcast episode from 2019, Eroc Arroyo-Montano posed a potent question: How do you like to be held accountable?

Many people agree that accountability is important among friends, within communities and organizations, and for institutions. Accountability entails an obligation to explain, justify, or take responsibility for one’s actions. Accountability first requires that those who seek it are able and willing to ask for it. It also requires that those being asked for accountability are willing to hear that request and respond to it in a way the seekers perceive as genuine and restorative.

Accountability requires that all parties expend emotional labor. Those who ask for accountability risk being dismissed, rebuked, or possibly losing social status or even their livelihood. These risks can weigh heavily on those who seek to hold others accountable, and can provoke acute and even chronic stress and anxiety. This emotional labor is compounded when people are members of marginalized groups, or have low status in a community or an organization.

Those who are being held accountable must also expend emotional labor. They must reckon with the request when it comes, face feelings of inadequacy or their fear of failure, or perhaps navigate a disciplinary process they cannot control. They may fear the ire of others in their organizations or communities, or of losing status, access to privilege or resources, or their livelihood.

When we do something that others want to hold us accountable for, we are faced with a decision: How much emotional labor do we force others to exert when they need to hold us accountable, and how much of this burden are we willing to hold ourselves? Do we require others to ask for accountability with a particular tone of voice? Do we require them to use specific language, or to avoiding using specific words? Do we require them to ask for it in particular contexts, such as when we are alone rather than among others or in front of a group? Do we demand they ask for accountability using particular modalities (text, email, phone, in person, etc) but not others?

The more limited our capacity to field requests for accountability is, the more effort we force others to expend when they ask for it. On the other hand, the more expansive we are in how we accept accountability requests, the easier it will be for others to request it of us.

In this workshop, facilitator Eric Garza will introduce the topic of accountability, then invite participants to reflect on how they like to be held accountable. Some of this reflection may take place in breakout groups, while some will happen in a larger group. Eric will also invite participants to reflect on how they can reduce the burden on others who seek to hold us accountable.

Please note that this event may attract participants from across the English-speaking world, so there will inevitably be cultural differences in communication styles, speaking patterns, and how words are chosen to convey meaning. Those who participate in this event are expected to abide by this set of agreements. To join this event you will need to install Zoom conferencing software on your computer or phone and create an account. When you register for the event you will receive a confirmation email from Zoom with the link you will need to join the meeting. You will also receive a reminder email a couple days before the meeting starts.

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