Background
The Fower of Identity activity is adapted and sourced by the Council of Europe. Founded on May 5, 1949, the Council of Europe is an organization that values human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Today, 46 states are members of the Council of Europe, and of these 46 states, 26 make up the European Union.
Source(s):
Diversity, a ‘source of strength’ | UN News
Context
The Flower of Identity activity is best suited for college-age students and adults. This activity can be achieved in 30 – 45 minutes and is usually conducted as an informal icebreaker and/or teambuilder. The Flower of Identity activity explores DEI initiatives: diversity, equity, and inclusivity. Although this activity can be done with youth groups, it is recommended for a more mature audience as it requires vulnerability and a deep dive into one’s identity.
Implementation
Set Up: Activity should be set up in advance. Cut construction paper sheets (the colorful kind) in the form of petals. You will need to cut one petal per group. Split participants into groups of 4-6. Each group will get one petal and numerous markers. Each individual participant will be handed a piece of scrap paper. This activity can be done on desks or on the floor, but preferably it should be conducted on a flat surface.
Introduction (5 minutes): The facilitator should define identity. Explain to participants that identity can be thought of in terms of a flower. During this activity, each group will make up a petal, which is a part of the flower. At the end of this activity, all of the petals will be combined to form our flower. The flower at the end will represent the larger group and/or community. Before we get started, ask participants to take a minute to brainstorm elements of identity.
Individual Draw (5 minutes): The next part of this activity asks that each participant take out their scrap piece of paper. Using the markers provided, participants will individually draw a flower – participants will just need to draw the center of the flower and the petals attached to the center. Once they have drawn a flower, they will now write elements of their own identity in the petals. Note for the facilitator(s): the participants can use region, gender, education, values, family, jobs, etc to represent elements of their identity.
Fill in group petal (15 minutes): Ask each participant to share their flower with their group members. Once each participant has shared, the group will decide on a common element(s) of identity. The group will then write the element(s) in their group’s petal.
Present the petals (5 minutes): Bring all the groups together and have one member from each group present their petals to the larger group.
Creating a flower (5 minutes): The facilitator will collect the petals from each group to create a flower. The facilitator will then close the activity by asking the larger group what elements of identity they all share.
Debrief (10 minutes): Below are debrief questions that could be asked following the Flower of Identity activity.
- How did you choose what went into your flower (the flower drawn individually on the scrap paper)?
- Did anyone learn anything new about your groupmates?
- Were any of you surprised to find common elements of identity amongst group members?
- What does it mean to be a part of a group? Why is being a part of a group important?
Goals
- To think about the different components that shape identity.
- To explore one’s own identity.
- To find commonalities in the identities of a group.
- To practice making group decisions
Peace Learner 