Activity time: 30 minutes

Materials for Activity

• Newsprint, markers, and tape
• Leader Resource 4, Program Goals
• Optional: An object participants can pass from speaker to speaker

Preparation for Activity

• Write on newsprint, and post:

  • Why have you decided to be part of a program that talks about race and ethnicity? Why are race, ethnicity, and multiculturalism important in your life?
• Next to this sheet, post blank newsprint.
• Copy Leader Resource 4, Program Goals for all participants, or write the program goals on newsprint, and post.

Description of Activity

Invite participants to introduce themselves, saying their name and where they are from, and then to share a story that is often told about them by family or friends. For example, "My partner always says I never order food without asking 20 questions of the wait staff." Explain that each person has one minute to tell their story and that you will gently enforce the time limit in order to keep the workshop moving. Go first, to model one-minute storytelling. Then encourage participants to speak as they are ready and comfortable. You may wish to use an object such as a stone or talking stick that each person can hold while they speak. If the group is large, you may choose to simply go around the room and ask people to say their name and where they are from, and then form groups of four or five to share one-minute stories.

Indicate the questions you have posted. Invite participants to generate a list of reasons they have chosen to be part of this program. Write each response on newsprint.

Indicate or distribute the program goals (Leader Resource 4). Read them aloud or have volunteers read.

Including All Participants

To accommodate different learning styles (for example, aural versus visual learners) and to be inclusive of people who are visually impaired, read aloud the posted questions, handouts, and any other written materials.