Facilitation Guide: Lowering Our Shields | September 3, 2021 7-9 pm Group Breakout Session Notes: •
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Remind students that the goal of this session is to think about how to be more open with each other, share our lived experiences, and embrace the power of sharing our stories to forge deeper and true connections. Note that the lantern you’re carrying symbolizes a person’s turn to speak and share their story. Remind students that they each have an opportunity to respond to the following prompt: “What is your story of social connection?” o OLs say “I hope you’re able to share stories that push you into the courage zone, but that you also feel you’re ready to offer our group. Part of my role as your OL is to offer support for any situations that arise; however, I also want to be clear that I’m not a confidential outlet. In some instances, I may connect you with a staff person at Bentley to make sure you’re aware of the resources available to you. These staff members work on our campus to make sure all of us have a safe, successful college experience. Additionally, if at any point during this activity you feel like you might want to speak with a staff person, we have several resources available (including confidential resources). These staff can be accessed at the Bentley Arena, and on the Orientation Assistants can help bring you there and please note that if you ever want to connect with a staff member even after hours, you can call university police and they will be able to get the staff member on duty for that evening.” Share that each student will have two minutes to respond to the prompt. o Students do not have to speak during their two minutes, but if they choose not to talk, then the group will use that time to reflect for a moment in silence before the next person starts. o Let your group know that you will be timing their comments with your phone and that (noise permitting) they will hear a sound once their two minutes are complete. Be mindful of the alarm sound you utilize, and plan for a more pleasing sound (e.g.chimes). ▪ If students are not able to hear the alarm and continue sharing, consider subtle ways you can indicate that they should wrap up their story. Some options include hand signals (putting up an index finger), or verbalizing that they have a few seconds left to share. Let your group know that there are resources available in the Cube of the Bentley Arena and that an OA can escort them there at any time during this session. Remind the group that the ground rules discussed earlier in “I’m a Bentley student and…” session still stand and that we should not be sharing people’s stories beyond your group. o However as a responsible employee if anything is shared that requires you to report up to a staff member that you have a duty to do so. Lastly, encourage your group to snap after each person shares as a way to recognize their courage and vulnerability.
Session Overview: • •
Review the session notes listed above (2 minutes) Share your own response to the prompt first (2 minutes)