Mapping post-Referendum views

I’ve created this as a conversational tool to help with:

Mapping all the different positions people hold following the EU Referendum. (You may identify more, or describe them differently, and please comment here if you have any thoughts. I can change the tool based on your comments.)

Considering those who are excluded because they are disenfranchised, not empowered enough to feel able to vote, or affected in other countries or in future generations.

Mapping them in relation to the bases of power, and considering how we can leverage power to achieve outcomes that are best for everyone.

How you could use it:

Use in any kind of setting where you want to analyse different views (e.g. if you work for a charity, campaign group or similar), or directly use it with people present who hold different views.

You could draw out the shape on a big board or sheet, and through discussion complete it with your own ideas, and then refer to the given map later. Or look at the given map and add to or amend it.

Begin by looking at the centre: Raise the suggestion that power has been holding tight at the very at the centre in our current situation (although it is also in disarray at the moment, which offers opportunities for change). We have been led to believe that power has been given to the people by this vote, but the lack of planning, truth and enfranchisement has profoundly disempowered us all (including many of the ‘elites’).

Then look at the outer ring to consider who is excluded. What is the extent of these groups? Who isn’t named here? How do each of them feel? What will be the effects on them (if Brexit happens, and in various scenarios around it)?

Then look at the different views on Brexit and the referendum in relation to power. Are any views missing? Would you describe them differently? Where am I? Would you move them to other places in relation to power?

Then consider actions: What can we do to heal division, leverage power and achieve outcomes for the common good?

Notes:

It doesn’t go into detail on all the possible implications and decisions about trade, migration, Scotland, Northern Ireland etc etc because it is intended mainly to focus on people, their values and their empowerment.

I’ve used the term ‘Rich’ to cover both corporations and elite individuals.

As full disclosure, my own position is ‘Remain — Extend Democracy’, delay Brexit. I’ve used this term although some in this camp may describe it as ‘Stop Brexit’. People in this group have a number of focal actions, with most now arguing for a detailed plan and an Act of Parliament to repeal the European Communities Act (rather than a less-democratic crown prerogative). Others are pushing as well as, or instead, for a General Election so at least Brexit would be enacted by a Government elected on that agenda, a Progressive Alliance to ensure a strong opposition in such an election, and a Second Referendum to ensure people vote on a proper plan.

Some have asked why I include ‘Non-human species’ and what that means. In particular, I’m thinking of the rights of ‘non-human persons’ (intelligent animals) but also in general, about all species of life with whom we are co-dependent. The EU contributes greatly to protection of the environment, and without a strong EU we are much less able to tackle climate change.

Let me know if you used it, and if so, how it went.