Breaking the Ice
Spring quarter intern Kailyn is coordinating a new training opportunity for FIUTS student leaders.
Guest post by Kailyn Swarthout
As a FIUTS intern this quarter I have been working on creating an icebreaker pocketbook and accompanying workshop specifically for FIUTS facilitators. The idea for this project was sparked at a lead facilitator retreat in the fall while brainstorming some bigger ideas for improving the facilitator experience. I realized that despite my many years of icebreaking, I usually relied on the same two or three icebreakers because I felt comfortable with them and had a hard time remembering others on my toes. Recognizing that many facilitators probably felt the same way, I suggested creating a small “pocket-sized” book full of icebreaker activities that facilitators could easily bring along with them at any event or activity to spice up their icebreaker repertoire.
Kailyn leading the icebreaker workshop
My idea became a reality last Friday when Michael Rooney and I led a Facilitator Icebreaker Workshop complete with a first draft of the “Icebreaker Pocketbook for FIUTS Facilitators” (if anyone has ideas for a catchier title, please send suggestions). The Pocketbook includes over 25 fun activities separated into different situations that are common when facilitating FIUTS events. For example, the “Burke Café” section includes name games and introductory activities that are great to use when participants are first arriving at the Burke before events, while the “Stuck in Traffic” section is full of brain teasers and conversation starters that can help people stay engaged when your UCar or bus isn’t moving anywhere fast and you don’t have space for an active game.
Playing "Common Ground" with the group
Eight facilitators attended the Friday afternoon workshop to learn about the importance of icebreaking activities, how to effectively lead activities, how to decide when to use different types of activities, and to share their personal experiences with icebreaking. A lot of the first half of the workshop focused on building confidence and leading with enthusiasm to ensure that participants are as excited to get to know each other as we are to get to know them. For the second half, we put these skills to practice and took turns leading activities.
It was a fun afternoon and a great way for me to begin wrapping up my time as a FIUTS intern. I hope that the pocketbook will continue to be improved and put to good use, and that some of the workshop participants may lead their own workshops in the future!
Thank you to Kailyn and all our facilitators for their hard work and dedication! Learn more about becoming a FIUTS facilitator at www.fiuts.org/facilitators.