BLOB STREET::
This Blob Tool was created from real life.
I was here with these Blobs / Teens.
I was with real Gang Members & all around me.
other activities were happening at the same time.
GROUP WORK using a Blob Tree Tool
Blob Street - some ideas for use in a Group Context.
Leader Notes
Introduction::
These sorts of tools can be used in different contexts - I have used with up 2,000 young people at Festivals at home and abroad.
The best context is in a small group when all can interact and open up like flowers to the sun.
Group Work Use
1 Think and out crisply what your objective(s) are.
Some possible objectives: self revelation;
opportunity to share real issues and feelings and hear others win their difference and similarity;
opportunity to articulate feelings and therefore ownership of their reality;
opening up issues which can lead to discussion and satisfaction from good communication.
Consider if we want facilitate young people becoming at ease with their Hostel/Club/Church/YMCA/Group or equipping them to be able to live a life of wholeness in work and life?
2 Consider the context in depth: people who will be present; the environment; the seating; what can go wrong/ right; the unexpected; hidden agendas.
Prepare as many of the contextual matters as best you can.
The seating and the size of room/space is vital to the work of a group.
Outside factors, such as noise and distractions, are matters which can create insecurity in those present. These can have negative impact on the group process.
3 Aids to help starting up a group/ or encouraging people to attend freely:
I always start with a big pot of tea and biscuits and developing a warm welcoming rapport among all present; alternatively… start the group sessions with a fondue with chocolate and a big pile donuts to dunk...... or strawberries!
4 Group Process Thoughts: developing a climate of trust is foundational for openness and sharing.
Such a climate will help enable humans to take risks for their own development; starting a group with one, or more, simple/fun activity can be an option.
Something which helps the group to communicate in a non- threatening environment - with no cause for disagreements, can be good.
5 Kick Off::
Everyone handed a Blob Tree on paper.
LINK SEE HERE The tool is a leveller, it can be easily read by all (all cultures and languages) everyone having a copy, rather than big projection screen image, provides a chance to 'read' the Blob Tool from their own experience of life.
6 Starter Questions::
Ask opinions, from everyone,
a 'which Blob would you be most concerned about'?.
b “Which Blob would you consider to be the most dangerous - and you would be most scared of ?”
c "Which Blob do you see being the most positive and helpful?"
If you are the leader - it is good for you to share/ answer first when the question is about sharing vulnerability.
This will help to set the standard of openness trust and honesty - the leader is a major influence even if there are strong personalities present.
Consider calling the next person to share is someone who you know is prepared to take a risk for their own development.
Ask them to be the next person to answer.
Then proceed around the group - ensure you encourage and briefly acknowledge every comment - leaving no-one with unresponsiveness.
d
Using BLOB STREET as a second phase.
"Which Group on the above is the most powerful ? -
the leaders in this context?"
Encourage different views and you will see some creative thinking emerging.
Encourage every contribution - every human.
e
"Take a pen, this is a question to every member present, and draw a line from the top of the page to the bottom. The line being the route you would walk if you were walking home in the evening - on your own?"
f
Open up a discussion about this sort of street scene in your local area.
Ask if anyone knows about any Faith led project which works on the street with young humans - or what a Team may do to live out their lives as ' and act of love' in places where young humans gather.
Conclusion: generally this is long enough to spend in group session.
If discussions and exchanges have occurred - there will be deep feelings within individuals because it has been experiential.
Remember that the best communication tool is… you.
BHP
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