Description Long

This method focuses on the creative and self-organised formation of interest- or topic-based groups. The aim is to bring together individuals with similar concerns, hobbies or skills, laying the foundation for collaborative group work or future cooperation.

In a sufficiently large room, several flipcharts are set up – each showing a main theme along with related subtopics. Participants are given strips of sticky tape on which they write their names.
They then place their name labels on the flipcharts representing topics they are interested in or already involved with. Participants may choose as many topics as they wish. The facilitator then reads out the names under each topic so that groups can form. If someone has signed up for multiple topics, groups are formed according to their priority interests, with the option to rotate afterwards. Each group gathers and is given another flipchart or sheet of paper to note down their thoughts, expectations and initial ideas about the topic. This exchange lasts for around ten minutes. Afterwards, participants may switch groups, allowing further overlapping interests to be identified and explored.

Preparation

• Several flipcharts are labelled with various interest and topic group titles. Under each main topic, related subtopics can then be listed. For example: main topic – Active Pursuits / Sport; subtopics – Yoga, Outdoor Workouts; or main topic – IT; subtopic – Website Design.
• Prepare enough masking tape and flipchart markers (based on the estimated number of participants).
• Use masking tape or magnets to hang the flipchart sheets.
• Set up table islands with two to ten chairs each (depending on group size) to serve as discussion spaces.
• Also prepare a timer or mobile phone.

Execution

1. The facilitator welcomes the participants, introduces the aim of the method and explains the process.
2. Flipcharts displaying main topics and related subtopics are set up visibly around the room.
3. Each participant receives several strips of masking tape or writable name labels.
4. They write their name on the strips and stick them next to the topics they are interested in or already involved with.
5. After the labelling phase, the facilitator goes through each topic and invites the listed individuals to come together as a group.
6. The groups gather at prepared table islands, each equipped with a flipchart or large sheet of paper for notes.
7. Each group has around ten minutes to discuss the topic, share expectations and note down initial ideas.
8. When the time is up, the facilitator announces a new round – participants can then move to another group of interest.
9. This process can be repeated several times, depending on time and group dynamics.

Hints from experience

• A simple icebreaker or warm-up game works well before starting this method.
• Alternatively, names can be written on Post-its instead of masking tape.

Tools list

• Bulletin board
• Chairs
• duct tape
• Flipchart or Whiteboard
• Paper, big, flipchart
• Pencils, board markers
• Sticky notes
• Stopwatch
• Wall for collective work
• Writing utensils, pen, pencil

References

This method was developed by the socio-cultural animator Lisa Birrer for the “Sharing Resources” project in the Sunnigen Hof housing cooperative.