Tips for Running Small Groups

• Establish ground rules (see below for more details).
• Provide both verbal and written goals for the exercise.
• Make sure instructions are clear - provide verbal and briefly written instructions.
• Designate a specific time frame for the exercise and give 1 or 2 reminders that the time is almost up. If time is limited, ask the groups to choose a timekeeper.
• Group’s members should briefly introduce themselves.
• Encourage all to participate, particularly in brainstorming sessions. It is incumbent upon each member of the group to encourage all to participate.
• Ask each group to choose a spokesperson to report out. This person should speak clearly, loudly and to the point.
• Choose a recorder or notetaker to assist in group’s reporting out.
• End early enough to allow for each group to report out.
• Be supportive and acknowledge the work of each group.

Establish Ground Rules: Before doing any of these exercises ground rules should be established collectively by the leader and by the group. Shared ground rules express the code of conduct and expectations of how the members will operate as a group.

Record the ground rules on a flipchart, hang them up, and refer to them as needed. To get the ball rolling, it is often helpful for the leader to suggest 1 or 2 rules and then to solicit additional ground rules from the group. 3 to 5 ground rules should be adequate.

Some suggested ground rules are:

• Be respectful
• Listen when others are talking
• Don't interrupt
• Everyone participates
• Each member of the group is expected to contribute

Group Size: Although circumstances will vary, 4-5 youth per small group is suggested for optimal participation. Small group size may vary depending on the overall size of your audience, the degree of in-depth discussion you want generated, and whether or not group tasks include developing a tangible product, such as a counter-ad, by the end of your session.

Skills and Resources Inventory: Group members should determine what resources or skills they have within their group. Is there an artist, skilled cartoonist, poet, singer, songwriter, script writer?