Activity #1: “Values Vortex”
Required Supplies:
1. Flip chart or whiteboard
2. Whiteboard markers or flip chart markers
3. Sticky notes and pens
4. Timer
Instructions:
1. Divide the group into small teams (3-4 members per team).
2. One person in each group draws a sizeable vortex on the flip chart or whiteboard.
3. Allow each individual to think about their personal values, and then write them down on the sticky notes – one value per note.
4. Teams then place their sticky notes in the vortex, starting in the center for the most important values and moving outwards for lesser important values.
5. Set a timer for 10 minutes for this activity.
6. Once all values are placed in the vortex, teams present their vortex to the larger group, explaining why they placed values as they did.
Discussion Questions:
1. Were there any common values among the team?
2. Why did you place certain values closer to the center of the vortex?
3. How do these values influence your daily decisions and behaviors?
Activity #2: “The Building Blocks of What Matters”
Required Supplies:
1. Cubes or anything similar that can act as building blocks (e.g., legos)
2. Markers
3. Tables or flat surfaces
Instructions:
1. Each individual receives a certain number of blocks.
2. Encourage individuals to think about their values and write a value on each side of the block.
3. Allow the individuals to build a tower or structure with their blocks which represents the foundations and structures of their values.
4. Let each person explain their symbolism and the thought process behind their structures.
Discussion Questions:
1. What does your structure symbolize about your values?
2. What values serve as your foundation and why?
3. In what way does your value structure shape your actions and decisions?
Activity #3: “Values Voyage”
Required Supplies:
1. Sheets of paper
2. Pens
3. Large room with plenty of space, or outdoor area
Instructions:
1. Each participant is asked to write down one or two of their core values on a sheet of paper.
2. Each participant then crumples up their paper to make a ‘ship’.
3. Participants stand at one end of the room or space – this is their “Current Island”. The other end represents their “Ideal Island” – where they want to be in terms of living fully by their values.
4. Using only their breath, participants have to try and blow their paper ship from their current situation to their ideal.
5. Participants can have multiple attempts, and help each other if they choose.
Discussion Questions:
1. How easy or difficult was it to move from the current island to your ideal?
2. How does this reflect the journey of living by your values?
3. What support might you need in real life to help you live more aligned to your values?
Remember, the aim of these activities is not just to identify what different individuals value personally, but also to create a discussion about the role of values in guiding our actions and decisions.