The Labels Activity

Based upon the amount of people taking part in the activity, facilitators should split the large
group into two smaller groups. Advise people who know each other to separate from one another
for the best overall experience possible. Once groups are formulated, have each person (per
group) fill out a sticky note for the 2 following statements: 1 label you would give yourself & 1
label given by others. Once each person fills out each sticky note, have them place them on the
wall or a flat surface. From here, invite everyone to share what they wrote on each sticky note
and potentially elaborate on it (if comfortable). Next, have both larger groups split into smaller
groups based on how many people are facilitating. As the facilitator of a smaller group, conduct
a debrief asking questions such as: How do you feel after hearing everyone share? What are
some thoughts coming up around issues of inclusion on a college campus? How can you use this
as a peer leader and infuse it into your role?

The Blocked Perspective

This activity is a great activity to be done regardless of group size. This is a hands-on activity in
which students will be collaborating using their communication skills to mimic a design. The
facilitator will pass out a variety of cards, containing specific images of the design to members
who are standing outside the circle. The facilitator will indicate a few members of the group to
be on the inside of the circle, who are considered the “builders”. The builders will be assigned a
particular color based on the color of the blocks scattered around the floor. They can only touch
their corresponding color, and listen for direction from members on the outside. Builders are also
prohibited from speaking, which is why listening to directions from the outsiders is crucial.
Members on the outside can only refer/see their card and they must collectively work together to
build the overall design. Once the activity has gone on for roughly 15-20 minutes, indicate that
time is up and have everyone circle up. Next, the facilitator conducts a debrief asking questions
such as Why this activity and why now? How does it fit in today’s training? How did what you
talked about in the first activity influence what you did in this activity? What are you going to
take away from this and apply to your peer leader role? Once the group speaks in regards to
these questions, inform them that there truly is no “design” and that it was meant for
collaboration purposes. Inform them that this is based on including everyone whether speaking
or not, and that the overall purpose as leaders is to be inclusive of everyone within your group.