Tarp activity - October 17, 2008

This week in an effort to re-energize the group we began our meeting with the long forgotten ritual of an icebreaker. We began by taking strips of masking tape and writing down our concerns. We were then asked by Brian to place the strips of tape on a folded part of a tarp, and then take a minute to read everyone's concerns. Aside from zombie attacks, real concerns were along the lines of funding, group unity, participation and packing.

Our next task was to take a piece of tape and write down things that made us excited about our South Africa trip. Our causes of excitement were along the lines of: A zombie defense system, birthdays, getting to help people in South Africa,and the fact we already have plane tickets reserved. We placed them on the opposite side of the tarp and reflected on them.

Brian asked us to all stand on the side of the tarp with the negative pieces of tape on them and work as a group to turn over the negative side to the positive side. As a rule we couldn't step off the tarp, however, nothing was said about using chairs as support. . . . Our group pulled ourselves into the mosh pit of the tarp. Clashing our elbows and with little room to breathe, our group did not fare well. Without organization we completely failed to achieve anything except become closer as a group - physically. We tried turning the tarp and quickly ran out of space as people did not know where to stand or what to do when they were in the right spot. Our ideas were mixed and our attempts uncoordinated. We failed as a group to communicate and listen to each other.

Brian stopped us after about 10 minutes and gave us a little more space on the tarp so we could have a second go at it. We welcomed the breathing room and the extra space. This time around we managed to actually listen to one another and work together to convert the tarp from one side to the other. We used a strategy that involved gradually flipping over the tarp and having the people step on the folded over half. After a little effort we managed to get it to work.


(Us standing on the tarp, listening to ideas)

Afterward we reflected on what made the exercise work. We listened, and at some point everyone had to participate and step up. We were able to metaphorically turn our concerns into excitement. Brian ended by giving us a reminder that we have pulled in more money than all of the previous groups combined and we have a lot of strength within the group.

- Andrew