Tool 16: Reef Analysis When to use Purpose Time Resources Stages 3 & 4 A tool for understanding varying power relations and diverse experiences of a specific situation. It also helps identify how others may be experiencing or influencing a situation. 1 – 2 hrs The reef graphic, possibly paper, markers etc. The reef analysis is a useful when you are encouraging a community to understand the various perspectives and experiences members of that community may have. Possible questions: 1. Who is in the boat? (Think of groups of people rather than individuals.) 2. What are the waves (or issues) that are rocking the boat? 3. What is the reef that creates the waves that toss the boat on the sea? (Think of the factors that influence or control the human rights issue.) 4. In which picture do you see yourself? Why? In which picture do you see others? Why? 5. How did people get into the boat? (Consider colonization, treaties, assimilation policies, immigration policies, policies on multiculturalism, economic policies, or discrimination based on class, place of origin, gender, ability, sexual orientation and age.) 6. How did people survive, or not survive, in the boat? 7. While it is easy to see the pictures in the reef analysis, is there another analogy that you can apply to you/your community? Can you describe that? APF HRCLD Guide 85