Strong Wind Blows

From HarambeeWiki

Thanks to Lisa Heft for sharing the methodology from her website and writes...

“I am not sure of the original source, although learned it from the First Nations facilitator S. Joshua Volle, DrPH (Muskogee Creek) several decades ago...I often use this exercise for warm-up - for groups of 5 or hundreds at once. It is good because it starts simply with whatever is a truth (not a big serious heavy truth, but a simple one like 'whoever did not eat breakfast today?' and then they do a few rounds of those kinds of truths, and then after a bit you can 'find yourself' in the middle to say 'and now what are some things you find are truths about our work in HIV/AIDS?' (or whatever) as you shift it to the content of the workshop itself. Just be sure that, as in any physical activity that you preface by saying 'if you have any mobility issues' and include an adaptation that individuals can make.” – Lisa Heft

• Chairs are arranged in a circle for every person but one (the facilitator does not have a chair). Facilitator stands in center.
• Explain the directions - 'I am going to share something that is true for me. If it is also true for you, get up and move to another seat. So: Strong Wind Blows for anyone who...did not eat breakfast this morning.' (or 'for anyone who speaks more than one language' or whatever you wish)
• This first time you may wish to help them with energy - 'is this true for you? Then find a new chair!' -- YOU (the facilitator) also become a participant and rush to any seat and take it, leaving someone else standing in the center.
• Now whomever is left standing in the center becomes the 'caller', and you can help them (if they seem confused this first time) by prompting them with / helping them say 'The Wind Blows for anyone who..." (as that is how they are supposed to begin)
• After several rounds of this you 'find yourself' in the center (surprise - you were 'too slow' to find a new seat in that last round) and say 'Now I am going to shift a bit - now I am going to say something that is true for me regarding (whatever is your workshop topic) to see if it is also true for you.'
• Obviously with issues such as HIV or other workshop topics you may wish to focus on something NOT confidential or delicately emotional - so things like 'whoever is drawn to the work of helping others' or 'whoever is happy we got our new funding!' or 'whoever feels that family support is the key to wellness' are examples.
• This activity helps people see their similarities and differences as you help them transition into the focus of the workshop.