Three Wise Monkeys exercise
To teach Communicating about Climate Change
Climate Impacts Altar
To teach empathy on climate impacts
Parata: a climate justice exploration
A participatory tool to explore issues of climate justice
The Carbon Dioxide Game
An active exercise to teach the concept of the greenhouse effect
“Who Else?” (Stand Up/Sit Down)
This is an easy way to welcome the different people in the room, for us to be in touch with their mood, and to help make different connections. We like this activity because it can be done in a group of five or a group of one-hundred (it can also be done in any seating arrangement – a circle, large auditorium, etc.).
Team Types
Four personality tendencies in team-building
Getting a Group Open to New Ideas: Expanding Comfort Zones
Activist groups often develop some actions they use again and again. Sometimes that’s sufficient. Groups can develop internal rituals or find that tactics continue to be effective. But oftentimes groups can get so used to do things that do them even when they’re not effective. So if you know a group who keeps picking the same ineffective tactics, or same boring meetings, this tool can help.
What is Strategy: Blanket Tool
This is a physical way of learning about strategy and campaigning that is easy, simple, and effective.
Games/Energizers/Dynamicas
Here are a few energizers you can use with groups: Yes Let’s (or Let’s All) The trainer explains that creativity...
Maximise/Minimise Learning
A group in Fiji gathering to talk about the possibility of using canoes to stop giant coal shipments from reaching their destination. That action required risk, and risk requires group trust and the willingness to learn and try something new. So facilitators used this tool to start a conversation about how people “maximise” and “minimise” their learning. This highly adaptable tool builds trust and honesty amongst the group and creates a space where people can help each other learn more deeply.
Parallel Lines Roleplay
The shortest way to do a roleplay with a group in a complex challenge
Village Exercise
This interactive, physical activity gives participants an experience of nonviolent action and can unite groups through shared experiences. It’s a great group challenge, fun, and always provides a lot to reflect on about strategy, direct action, and social change.
The Mingle
The mingle (also called milling) allows lots of interactions to happen between participants at the same time. Participants get a chance to talk to each other in one-on-one encounters and to carry out a task. It’s very effective and highly flexible activity!
Skits
In some cultures skits are popular for creating amusement –– a short, informal dramatic presentation usually making fun of someone or something. In workshops we use skits intentionally to serve other purposes as well.
Sociograms and Spectrums
In a sociogram, participants place their bodies in positions that represent something about themselves. It’s a way to help people think more deeply about what they think—and share opinions within a group.