Asker/Responder Chain

The A/R Chain is a online communication protocol to help groups deal with emotionally-charged situations when there isn’t a neutral moderator they all trust.

Asker/Responder Protocol

1. Asker asks Responder:
   1. What are you seeing? (Perceptions)
   2. What are you feeling? (Reactions)
   3. What do you want/wish for? (Aspirations)
2. Asker comments using “I like/I wonder”
3. Responder elaborates (and Asker comments, etc.)
4. Asker asks Responder: “Are you done?”
5. When yes, Responder becomes the next Asker

Observer Protocol

1. Everyone not currently an Asker/Responder is an Observer
2. Observers must not speak, but should type “I like/I wonder” comments into the chat
3. Observers should raise their hands if they feel the Asker/Responder are off track
4. The Asker should interrupt and read the chat aloud if a majority of Observers are raising their hands

Notes

• The first Asker is called the Starter
• Each Asker chooses the next Responder
  • Prioritize members who haven’t gone yet / recently
  • The Starter should only be chosen after everyone else has gone