Activity 4: Making a Group Decision
Part of Signs of Our Faith
Activity time: 15 minutes
Materials for Activity
- Newsprint, markers, and tape
- Optional: Stickers
Preparation for Activity
- Plan the scenario for which you will ask the group to make a decision. The decision could involve choosing a low-cost snack to serve to all RE groups at a future meeting time. Or, if the group or a larger RE group has an opportunity to play games, such as at a holiday party or a Game Day, the children might decide which games everyone will play.
- Post blank newsprint.
Description of Activity
Participants practice reaching a group decision.
Tell the group you will guide them to use consensus to make a decision. Explain the decision they will make together now and when they (and, if applicable, others) will carry out the decision.
Optional: Use the sticker voting method mentioned in the Game Day story.
Here are some tips you may share with the group to help the process:
- Avoid arguing for your own individual judgments. Approach the task on the basis of logic.
- Avoid changing your mind if it is only to reach agreement and avoid conflict. Support only solutions with which you agree at least somewhat.
- Stick to the consensus process. Avoid "conflict-reducing" techniques such as majority vote, averaging, or trading votes in reaching your decision.
- View differences of opinion as a help rather than a hindrance in decision-making.