I Statements

From Peacebuilding

Contents 1 Opener – I Statements 2 Aims: 3 Participants: 4 Time: 5 Materials: 6 Procedure: 7 Handout

Opener – I Statements

Aims:

• To explore participants’ expectations for a training session

• To define ground rules for the training

Participants:

Any number

Time:

30-40 minutes

Materials:

• Handout “To achieve the I statements”

• Pencils for participants

• Flip chart with “I statements” prepared in advance by the trainer

• Flip charts

• Felt-tipped markers

Procedure:

I) Write the following sentences on one or more flip charts and ask the participants to complete them (10 minutes): I statements

• I am here because …

• I hope that during the next days we shall...

• I hope that during the next days we shall not...

• By the end of this workshop I would like to know...

• By the end of this workshop I would like to do...

Collect feedback from participants on flip charts. Hang them on the wall so that they’re visible.

II) Distribute a copy of the handout “To achieve the I statements”. Ask partihttp://localhost/wiki/skins/common/images/button_link.pngcipants to answer the three questions on the handout. Allow 5-10 minutes for individual work.

III) Blow a whistle to stop individual work and ask participants to share their answers with the rest of the group. Write down all the answers to each sentence (10-15 minutes).

IV) Go through the answers and:

1. make it clear that these will be the ground rules that each participant is expected to comply with during the training session; and
2. clarify any expectations that won’t be met during the workshop (5 minutes).

Handout

1. What can you do to ensure that you achieve the above “I statements”?
2. What should the other people in the group do to make sure that we all learn as much as possible?
3. What should the facilitators do to make sure this workshop goes well?