What’s the News?

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

This is a quick welcoming activity in which everyone’s name and voice are heard, and it establishes connections and builds community in a short amount of time. Each person is asked by name to share their ‘news’—something that is happening in their lives with either a partner or in a small group. Participants reflect on the level of vulnerability that they are comfortable sharing and listeners are invited to receive the information with open minds and hearts. It can be used as an occasional activity or as a regular routine to continue building relationships because there’s always news!

When and Why

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This activity offers a simple, efficient way to transition a group into a learning space while honoring a diversity of cultures, experiences, and voices. It also promotes connectedness and belonging within the group and is a “low vulnerability activity” since each person decides for themselves what level of personal experience they wish to share. Listeners give their full attention to each speaker throughout the activity.

How to Facilitate

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  1. Reflect on the current contexts, demographics of participants, and the purpose of this engagement.
  2. Decide on the amount of time you have and determine if participants will be sharing in a group or with a partner.
  3. Ask participants to find a partner or small group in a way that is appropriate for your group today.
  4. Give participants a moment to think of what they want to share. 
  5. Explain that each person will invite their partner to share their news by first saying their partner’s name and then asking them, “(Name), what’s the news?” Speakers share their news while their partner (or the group) attentively listens, without comment or questions. 
  6. Tell participants they have one minute to talk and that you will let them know when it is time to switch roles. 
  7. Give pairs a moment to decide who will go first. Ask the starting partners to raise their hand to make sure everyone is ready, then give the go-ahead to begin. 
  8. At the end of a minute, use your regular attention signal to bring the room to quiet and let participants know it is time to switch roles.
  9. After partners have shared, ask them to reflect with each other or with the whole group: “How was it to share and listen to one another?” (Remind before sharing starts that this is NOT sharing the personal story, but reflecting and commenting on the process.)

Modification

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  • To facilitate this activity with a large group: The facilitator will start, modeling a brief and authentic response to the question, and then ask another person, “(Name), what’s the news?” After they share, each participant hands off to another person by repeating the process. Facilitator uses a signal to indicate when it is time to move to the next person.
  • In a virtual environment, send pairs or small groups to breakouts rooms.

How does What’s the News? support SEL?

Self-Awareness/Identity:
Participants have an opportunity to understand their own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behavior across contexts. Facilitators consider their own and participants’ identities in the design of the practice.

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.
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