These two variations on group introductions help people get to know one another individually and they take away some of the pressure people might feel introducing themselves to an unfamiliar group, especially one that is diverse. You can replace any of the questions with your own, but keep them simple and bonding.

SHORT VERSION (15-20 minutes depending on the size of the group):
Have people pair up or form small groups (ideally across racial/ethnic lines). Ask each group discuss the following three questions: (a) what’s one thing you have in common with each other? (b) what’s the most important thing in your life right now? and (c) if you could be any kind of plant, animal or mineral, what would you be and why?

After several minutes, come back together and have everyone introduce their partner(s) to the whole group.

LONG VERSION (5-10 minutes per participant):
If you have a small enough group and time for more detailed introductions, have each person take a turn answering some of the following questions (allow the questions to be a guide rather than a strict script):

• Tell a funny story about something that happened to you.
• What was coming to college like for you?
• What clique did you belong to in high school?
• Describe a typical family interaction.
• When was the first time you noticed race/ethnicity?
• What’s something crazy you’ve always dreamed of doing?

NOTE: An alternative or follow up exercise is to ask participants to meet before or after the screening to share a favorite piece of poetry or music or attend an event together and then report back to the class about their experience.

Developed by Stiles Hall: www.stileshall.org