Learning to Give, Curriculum Division of The LEAGUE

Purpose:

• To provide an opportunity for youth and adult board members to get acquainted.
• To begin the team-building process among board members.

Activity:

Note: In the absence of a facilitator, the Board Chair, a staff member or another officer might serve in this capacity.

1. As board members enter the room, give each a placard and marker.
   
   
2. Ask each to print his or her first name, on the front of card, in large letters. Names should be written vertically rather than horizontally along the left side of the card.
   
   
3. Ask participants to think of words which describe themselves and write them next to each letter of their names: A - Active N - Neat N - Nice E - Energetic
   Note: If names are long (like Stephanie) suggest using a nickname or an abbreviated version of the name (like Steph).
   
   
4. Ask every other member to form a pair with the person on their right. Ask pairs to explain to each other why they have chosen one word associated with their name. After they share, ask them to turn to the individual on the left side and share another word.
   
   
5. Ask members to write their last names on the back of the placards.
   
   
6. Ask each participant to place the card in front of his or her place at the board table, first name facing the group; last name facing the companions on the right and left.
   
   
7. At the end of the meeting, staff person or another board member collects the placards. Explain that at each board meeting, members will pick up their cards and sit down by two people they have not sat with and repeat the sharing process. Add that when everyone has shared placards and completed the seating pattern, members may sit where they choose, and continue to use the name placards.

Variations/Options:

Facilitator might want to use an energizer, such as “People to People,” instead of or in addition to this activity. Adults will need to get in the “flow” of the activity and just have fun with it.

“People to People”

1. Facilitator asks participants to find partners and face each other.
   
   
2. Facilitator calls out, “elbow to elbow,” and partners pair up by touching elbows. Facilitator calls out “knee to toe” and partners pair up with this match.
   
   
3. Facilitator uses one or two more examples, (such as nose to shoulder, or hip to hip) and then calls out “People to People.” Then, each partner finds a new partner and contin¬ues the game. Each time the facilitator calls out, “People to People,” a switch in partners is made.
   
   
4. This activity moves people around and sharing laughs can be a great beginning for adults and youth serving together on a board.