i. Creating a Group Agreement



Note: A group agreement is a document, created together by the group, with guidelines for behaviour that everyone participating agrees to follow. It is used to help make the program as safe as possible for everyone participating, and to make safety a responsibility of the group, not just of the group facilitator(s).

 

Ideas we are trying to promote through this activity:

• The girls’ program be a safe(r) space that is shaped by the girls in the program, for the girls in the program

• The girls of the program own and create the space and take responsibility for upholding the agreement, while at the same time accepting consequences if they disrespect the agreement

 

We hope this contributes to the program vision and objectives by:

• Modelling a way in which every girl can negotiate what she needs to participate fully in society.

• Providing a small-scale example of how to create a just and peaceful world.

 

The approach:

• Is participatory and draws on girls’ experiences in other group and/or learning settings

• Encourages group discussion, role-play, and creative activity

 

Length of time suggested:

• Up to one hour depending on the number of participants, time of day and group dynamics

 

Number of participants suggested:

• Ideally with a small group

• It is important that everyone in the group is present

 

Materials needed:

Poster board(s), crayons, markers, pencil, pen, glitter and basic art supplies, tape, and healthy snacks

 

Activity Guide:

Steps to take in leading the activity:

  1. Have the group sit in a circle with the agreement posters and materials in the middle.

  2. Ask the group to imagine a learning environment they have been in before. This may be school or another club or group gathering they have been part of. If they have not been in another club, ask them to imagine one.

  3. Ask them to think silently about what made it a good experience and what made them feel uncomfortable. What made them happy and what helped them to learn.

  4. Write these questions on the flip chart.

  5. Encourage the girls to talk in partners and share their ideas and feelings.

  6. Ask for volunteers to share or go around the circle. Ask if each person would like to share an idea.

  7. As the girls share, make a list of what they say. Add to the columns “Things that are helpful in a space” and “Things that hurt in a space.”

  8. Discuss why it is important to have rules in the space. Why is it important that we agree on them and in what ways do rules keep us safe?

  9. Review and discuss elements of confidentiality and disclosure. The important ideas to convey are that all conversations will be confidential except when someone in the group is:

• Thinking of committing suicide

• Being hurt by someone else

• Thinking of hurting someone else

 

  1. Write the agreement. Include a list of the rules in the agreement. Use the list of “Things that are helpful in a space” and “Things that hurt in a space” to ensure the helpful things happen and the hurtful things do not.

  2. Suggested categories to cover:

• Location/space (cleanliness, decorating, etc.)

• Materials (what’s in here, stays in here; what materials are available for participants’ use)

• Our bodies (no violence)

• Our voices (expression and respect of other peoples’ voice and opinions)

• Sharing stories (respect)

• Arriving and leaving

• Consequences

• Treatment of guest speakers (respect)

  1. Discuss specific consequences and solutions in the event that a rule is broken, for example:

• What do you do if one of the girls is not interested in an activity? Solution: have a creative corner, a space where girls who don’t want to participate in the main activity can be creative and occupied enough to not distract the other girls.

• What do you do if two participants get into a physical fight? Solution: both participants should meet with facilitators outside of the space, parents or guardians will be notified and participants will be given a one-week suspension from the program.

  1. Finalize the agreements:

• Before the rules are written, everyone in the room must agree on them in order to creating a consensus-style agreement. Make changes in the wording until everyone is comfortable.

• All participants must sign the agreement once all rules and consequences have been established and agreed upon.

• Once the agreement is finished, hang it up on the wall and display it for the duration of the program.

  1. Follow-up

• Check in to see how the agreement is working. Try not to wait until something has gone wrong to do this!

 

Indicators that an activity has gone well:

• Girls share ideas to contribute to the group agreement, either with a partner or with the whole group

• Girls feel relaxed having had the chance to share fears and/or uneasiness

• Girls feel proud of their creation

 

Adaptations for age and analysis levels

• If there is enough time and if energy is low; once girls have shared their feelings, they could get into small groups and role-play what they hope will never happen in the group and/or their greatest wish for the group. Use this content as material for the helps and hurts lists.

• After the lists are made, role-playing may also be used to have girls act out suggested rules and potential consequences.

 

Examples of Group Agreement rules

Note: As the facilitator or program co-ordinator you have the right to create rules that are non-negotiable, for the safety of the group and for group participants. For example, a rule related to the confidentiality and disclosure policies.

 

• Illicit alcohol and drug use is not permitted during Girls Action programs: if a girl or young woman is using these substances during the program, they are to be sent home or asked to leave

• Listen to others’ opinions

• Respect the time and be on time!

• While a conversation is happening; there is no listening to music or texting

• Respect the rules of the space where you are meeting (school or community centre)

• Ask before leaving the room

• Everyone has the right to pass in a discussion activity