Focus
Programs
The following descriptions are for some
very interesting one-hour small group discussion programs that you
can facilitate. Just print out the directions and materials and
go for it!
"Friendstalk":
This program affords participants a great opportunity to talk with
others about the many facets of friendship. The format includes 50
questions or stems (such as "The most important quality in my
friends is..." or "If I were to describe the ideal friend
for me I'd say..." or "The way friends hurt me without even
knowing it is..."). These are printed on 1/2" strips of
paper. One person picks a strip. He or she reads it to the group and
either responds and/or hands it to someone in the group from whom
they would like to hear a response. The question/stem may be responded
to by any person who gets it or it may be put face-down in the middle
of the circle. Then, a new stem is selected by the last speaker and
the process starts over.
"Thanks
For The Memories": This program asks participants
to think back about some important time in their lives and a person
or two connected with that time. Then, it asks them to consider what
they think they would like to tell that person about why that person
is (was) important to them. This is a neat program because it causes
participants to pause and take stock of friends and family in conscious
ways. In addition it gives them help in formulating ways in which
they may want to express feelings we often believe someone "just
knows without my telling them directly."
"Dating
Expectations": This program asks participants
to complete a number of stems (ex: What I'd expect from my dating
partner in terms of a companion or friend...?, and...decision-maker...?,
and...intellectual stimulus...?) regarding their expectations in a
dating partner. It also gets into identifying what needs those expectations
would meet if fulfilled. The best part of this program is that it
encourages the identification of attitudes the participants carry
with them into dating relationships and allows them to consider those
attitudes in relation to others'. (1 handout)
"I've
Always Wondered...": This program asks participants
in a group of males and females to think of questions they've always
wanted to ask of the opposite sex. It also provides an opportunity
to get answers. The best part of this program is that individually
asked questions can remain anonymous while responses to the questions
of the opposite sex are strictly voluntary.
"Ideal
Mate": Somewhat similar
to "Dating Expectations" in the topic it explores, this
program asks participants to write down 15 things they most desire
in an "ideal mate." It then asks participants to, step by
step, narrow the list down to 10, then five of the most important
items from the original list of 15. Along the way participants are
asked to share their reasons and how difficult it is for them to eliminate
items from the original list. This is a great format for anyone to
establish their immediate priorities regarding dating partners or
"ideal mate." It also gives everybody the chance to find
out what others "really" want in an ideal mate, adding to
the depth of their own reflection on the subject.
"Dead
Silent": Most of us don't quite know how to react...what
to say...when someone we know experiences the death of a close friend
or family member. This program helps participants be better prepared
to respond BEFORE it happens. Included are "do's" and "don'ts"
handouts, as well as a comfortable format for discussion.
"Chief
Exec": Each participant is asked to look over
a simple diagram of a corporate board room rectangular table with
one chair at the top and four along each side. They are asked to write
their name in as the chief executive officer of the corporation. That
corporation is called "My Life, Inc.". Then they write in
the name of those who have influenced decisions of "the board"
in shaping the "corporation." This is an opportunity to
let individual participants examine who has helped shape their lives,
as well as to learn about others in the group.
"What
a Flake!": Self-esteem is often a matter of really
appreciating our uniqueness. This program introduces the idea that
we are one-of-a-kind persons, like no two snowflakes are exactly alike.
Participants are asked to respond to sentence stems that help them
describe what's unique about them. Then, they share what they want
with one other person. Next, they describe how those who care about
them would say they are unique. Finally, there's time in the larger
group to talk generally about the importance of being unique.
"Relationships,
Sex & Sexuality-HYPE!!": Talking about relationships,
sex and sexuality is important to a greater understanding of those
subjects in our lives. The format of this program allows participants
to share with one another where they "stand" in response
to statements. This "no pressure" program is always interesting
and information.
"Back
from the Future":
This program is designed help residents focus on what they really
want out of life in six areas: family, job/career, friends, interests/hobbies,
spirituality and health. It involves looking ahead to the imaginary
day when they would retire or their 65th birthday. They are asked
to describe what would represent their "ideal" or goal for their lives
by time they reach retirement age in each of the areas. From there
(time permitting), they are asked to record and share what they are
going to do this year which will help them achieve their slide show
dreams.