Greeting Frenzy

Inclusive Welcome
An inclusive welcome is a brief, interactive experience that brings the voice of every participant into the room, making a connection to one another and to the work ahead, with each perspective-laden, culturally rich voice being heard, respected, and learned from.
Description

Greeting Frenzy provides an opportunity for each person in the room to make a brief connection with many participants. It lifts up the energy and generates connections, especially when some participants may not know everyone in the group. It includes movement, verbal and non-verbal connections, and light physical touch if appropriate and with consent. Can easily be adapted for participants with differing physical abilities, creating a universal sense of belonging and care.

When and Why

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Is especially effective when bringing together people for the first time who will be working collaboratively on a project or task. It is a fun, fast way to have individuals begin to operate as a group in a low-stakes activity. The activity can be a way for people to expand their social network within a short time frame with little to no risk. Everyone has to cooperate on addressing any challenges with navigating a confined space, in a limited amount of time, to meet as many people as they can.

How to Facilitate

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  1. Reflect on the current contexts, demographics of participants, and the purpose of this engagement. 
  2. Determine how the room can be set up to safely accommodate participants moving quickly around in the space. 
  3. Participants will move around the room and greet as many people as possible within a set amount of time (determined by facilitator) with the invitation to:
    • Make eye contact
    • Share names
    • Make a brief connection: handshake, high 5, fist or elbow bump 
    • If not comfortable with a physical connection, participants can place a hand on their own heart 
  4. Invite participants who are not able to move easily to stay in place and others will come to them.
  5. Set the timer and use your previously agreed-upon attention signal to bring the room to full quiet before debriefing.
  6. Debrief by asking one or more of these questions: “How’s your energy? Notice a lift in the room? (Elevate the physiological and emotional aspects noted by participants.) Why do you think that’s the case?”

Modification

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Instead of a Greeting Frenzy, make this activity a Closing Frenzy. For example:

  • “We’ll take two minutes for our closing activity today, and within those two minutes please connect with as many people as possible in the room, greeting them by name and making a physical connection (handshake, high five, hug) or place your hand over your own heart, whatever is mutually comfortable. Thank them for engaging in our work today, either as a general appreciation or, if you can, with a specific thank-you for an inspiring comment, intriguing idea, or act of kindness that you noticed during our work time (meeting) today. (PAUSE.) Take a moment to look around and think about appreciations you may wish to share. (PAUSE.) Ready? Go!”
  • Set the timer and use your previously agreed-upon attention signal to bring the room to full quiet.
  • “Thank you for that intentional closing! I can feel my own energy lifted for what lies ahead!”

How does Greeting Frenzy support SEL?

Social Awareness/Belonging:
Participants are encouraged to understand the perspectives of and empathize with others, including those from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and contexts. Facilitators create an experience of acceptance, respect, and inclusion within a group or community.

Relationships/Collaborative Problem Solving:
Participants have the opportunity to establish and maintain healthy and supportive relationships within the group and to effectively navigate settings with diverse individuals and groups. Facilitators create an activity where participants can build a shared understanding and work together to come to solutions by pooling knowledge, skills, and efforts.
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