Group Membership
Group Membership is an activity to help establish a supportive environment in the classroom or workplace. All participants gather in a large circle. The instructor calls out names of "low risk" groups such as brown hair, green eyes, large family. Participants step into the circle when they identify with a group. Those left in the outside circle must applaud when each inner group forms. The instructor can move on to "higher risk" groups involving sexual identity, income level or ethnic background. When each inner group forms, members should talk about the most positive aspect of being a member of the group.
The Herman Grid
The Herman Grid activity helps people to acknowledge their first impressions of others. The instructor should pass out copies of the grid to everyone in the group. The grid is a series of black squares on a white background. The 36 black squares are aligned in vertical columns and horizontal rows. Participants will be challenged to see the gray dots appear at the white intersections of the squares. The gray spots are not really there, but the illusion is a metaphor for the way we view other people. Sometimes we see things that are not really there based on preconceived ideas or stereotypes.
International Dinner
An international dinner is an effective way to introduce other cultures. All participants can exhibit their family heritage by preparing an ethnic dish. Some people may have to seek help from parents or grandparents. They may also learn some new things about their own heritage. Schedule a night for the event and have all participants wear ethnic clothing to represent their culture. They can also bring the recipe so others can make it. Everyone should be encouraged to try every dish.
Diversity Bingo
Diversity Bingo games can jump-start discussion about ethnic groups without people feeling offended. There are several types of bingo games such as Black History Bingo, Kwanzaa Bingo and Hispanic Heritage Bingo. The bingo squares have questions related to the topic of the game. The instructor or "caller" draws identical questions from a bowl and reads it aloud. The first player who can answer the question about the ethnic group correctly can cover the square. The questions on the bingo game should help players learn about other cultures and answer questions they may have about their own ethnicity.