ACTIVITY STEPS

Purpose:

1) to introduce the core values or principles

2) to have a mixer/ get them moving

3) to set up the paradigm shift/ priority shift  learning points

4) to tap the affective domain: get the participants to commit to these values

Time:

It should take about 15 minutes. It could take longer if you want to extend the conversation at the groupings.

Supplies Needed:

A handout of the values/ principles of the content you are training.

The same core values printed on  8x11 or 11x17 sheets and posted around the room higher than you would tape up tear sheets. They should be posted at the same height, and placed where there is space for a small group to gather beneath them. Also, tape them up around the room in the order they appear on your handout. A copy of your colored graphics that match art on the handout/ your powerpoint will help cue the participants to match and find the words. 

Activity Directions: 

You introduce and they read over these core values & principles. 

You might discuss the source/ context/ importance of the principles. 

Invite them to mark the handout with some sort of letter coding, such as:

IF you are promoting Trainer Best Practices:

Mark  “your initials” next to the value which you believe most informs and impacts your work as a trainer.  

Mark “P” next what your participants might choose.

IF you are promoting system values:

Mark  “F” next to the value you believe would generate the most positive response from Family members.

Mark “S” next to the one which best helps the system to meet its goals.

(Depending on your audience, you could also have them shift to the perspective of Care Providers/ Supervisors/ Managers/ Agency Partners/ and/or to Community members.)

Then invite them to “Take A Stand, ” in turn, under the value (small poster) they marked.  This means they may shift several times (OR NOT).  Emphasize that there is “no one right answer” – it is their values and perspective we are seeking.

Each time they shift to a new perspective, they cluster, discuss why.  For an extra punch, invite them to speak from the point of view of the group they are taking a stand for, such as “family members” / “youth” / “agency managers”/ etc.

After a moment or two of discussion, ask everyone to fan out so no-one’s back is to anyone.  This will signal the end of group/cluster talk, and equalize the room.

Teach them the phrase (and request that this be their mindset as they listen to others): “You know, you might be right!”

Then invite someone from each group to speak out for that position.  There is no correct answer.  You endorse them all. You want to get them speaking out for your content (values & principles). The whole group recites the “might be right” affirmation after each presentation.

Then they shift to the next perspective and repeat.

Sample questions for Processing The Experience:

• What, overall, did you learn about these Principles/ Values by hearing your 

peers speak up from the various perspectives?

• Who shifted to a different value for the different perspectives?

• Who stayed at the same value for more than one perspective?

• What are your strengths regarding honoring these principles? 

• What might be your opportunities for growth?  Set a personal goal.

• In what ways might this activity promote empathy, and thus result in better

services for families and children?

• How might these values impact the way you work with families and children?

• What insight, if any, into working with families and professionals has this activity 

sparked in you?