Tapestry of Faith: A Place of Wholeness: A Program for Youth Exploring Their Own Unitarian Universalist Faith Journeys

Activity 1: Nametag Interview

Activity time: 20 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • 5 x 8-inch index cards (enough for all participants and leaders)
  • Hole puncher
  • String or yarn
  • Newsprint
  • Markers and pens
  • Leader Resource 1, Nametag

Preparation for Activity

  • If you are not doing the Welcoming and Entering activity, follow the preparation steps listed below.
  • Draw the image in Leader Resource 1 on a piece of newsprint.
  • Cut pieces of string or yarn so that they are long enough to fit around someone's neck when tied to the index cards.
  • Punch holes in the top corners of each index card.
  • Each leader should then fill out an example nametag per the instructions in the activity description.

Description of Activity

In this activity, participants and leaders make nametags and then use the nametag information to tell each other about themselves, especially about their religious background.

1. If the group did not already make nametags in Welcoming and Entering, have them make them now. Once they have filled out their nametags, ask them to tie the string on the cards and put it around their neck.

2. Invite participants and leaders to form pairs. (Make sure one leader is paying attention to the time.) If there is an odd number, have a group of three. Have participants tell each other about what is written on their nametags. Be sure to tell them how much time they have and let them know that they will be sharing what their partner said with the rest of the group.

3. Go around the group and ask everyone to introduce their partner with the information that was on the nametag. If someone is stuck, it is okay for their partner to give them a little help.

4. Wrap up the activity by pointing out that most of the questions on the nametags had something to do with location. Explain that we will be using the metaphor of migration as a way to look at our spiritual journeys. Changing physical location has a lot to do with migration. Ask participants what they think changing spiritual locations would be like.

Including All Participants

This activity could be challenging to those who have limited sight or who have motor skill difficulties that make it hard for them to write. In those cases, one of the leaders or other participants should help that participant fill out their nametag.