MY RULES

This is an activity that explores choices both for self and others. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for participants to practise their negotiating skills.

TIME REQUIRED

80 minutes

RESOURCES

Flipchart paper.

Marker pens.

Sheets of A4 coloured card.

ACTION

1. The Facilitator asks all participants to silently reflect on what three new laws they would introduce if they ruled the world. Participants should be told to rank their choices 1, 2, and 3. (10 minutes)
2. Divide the participants into smaller groups of 4 – 5 people.
3. In groups, each participant presents their top choice for a new law and a rationale for why it should be introduced. (10 minutes)
4. Groups are then asked to vote on their first and second choices as a group decision and write these on separate pieces of A4 coloured card. (10 minutes)
5. Bring everyone together as a whole group; each group presents their two choices. The Facilitator fixes the cards to a wall about 60cm apart. (10 minutes)
6. When all the choices have been presented, the Facilitator asks the participants to stand in a line in front of their preferred new law (this is a simple voting system); everyone must vote. (2 minutes)

DISCUSSION (about 25 – 30 minutes)

Facilitate a discussion that addresses the issues involved. Examples could include:

1. “How easy was it to create new laws?”
2. “How easy was it to convince others to abandon their ideas and share yours?”
3. “How did you persuade others?”
4. “Do the new laws favour certain sectors of society and give them privileges denied to others?”
5. “How easy was it to make choices when it came to voting?”
6. “How did you fell about being compelled to vote?”

EVALUATION (10 minutes)

The Facilitator should encourage every participant to contribute to this section.

QUESTION: “Why might this ACTIVITY be relevant to your organisation?”

ADAPTATIONS

1. Depending on the group, it might be relevant to use the ACTIVITY to explore issues that are significant in their reality at either a national or municipal level.
2. How would the group use this ACTIVITY in the future and would they make changes? Capture, record, circulate.