Introduction for Examples of Workshops and Exercises
Edited by Ivana Franović
This section contains descriptions and instructions for over 200 workshop exercises, as well as descriptions of over 80 games. At the very beginning, the subsection on “Methods” gives detailed descriptions of the methods we use as most of them will keep appearing throughout this handbook.
The following 20 subsections are organised by workshop topic:
- Introduction and Getting to Know Each Other
- Nonviolent Communication
- Cooperation and Teamwork
- Perception
- Leadership
- Violence
- Prejudice and Discrimination
- Identities and Diversity
- Understanding and Analysing Conflict
- Creative Conflict Transformation
- Gender
- Dealing with the Past
- Peacebuilding
- Reconciliation
- Addressing Fear
- Power
- Trustbuilding
- Nonviolence
- Peace Activism and Nonviolent Action
- Evaluation
These subsections mostly contain a brief overview of the workshop objectives concerning a specific topic, an example of the workshop, as well as additional examples of exercises.
Alongside the exercises, the handbook features detailed descriptions and supporting information – type of exercise, average duration and materials needed.
The “type of exercise” determines how an exercise is performed and what its dynamics are, such as independent work, plenary work, work in small groups, role play, experiential exercise, etc.
The average duration of the exercise is not completely precise. Exercises can generally be completed within the specified timeframe, but the time needed will also depend on the composition of the group and how active and talkative its members are. Some groups will need more time.
Many of the exercises are also accompanied by notes based on our experiences in implementing them. The exercises differ in terms of complexity. It is strongly recommended that you implement those exercises that you have prior experience with, at least as a participant. However, for some of the more demanding exercises, it would be important to have them led by someone who has had experience with them, or who generally has rich training experience. We have identified the more demanding and complex exercises in the notes accompanying them.
For exercises that require special handouts or other printed materials, the documents have been made available in electronic format in the link provided and are ready for printing in A4 format.
The section concludes with examples of games for warming up, waking up, improving the working atmosphere, as well as for remembering names, dividing into small groups, or as an introduction to the
theatre of the oppressed.
It probably goes without saying, but just in case, let us point out that this handbook is not a collection of recipes to try out and should by no means be used as such. Training work means working with living people in possession of dignity and feelings, and the least we can do is to approach them with respect and not treat them as test subjects.
