Where Do I Stand? (Values Edition)

Name and Purpose

Where Do I Stand? (Values Edition) is a discussion-based activity that helps participants articulate and compare their personal values.
Participants practise respectful disagreement, perspective-taking, and group dialogue.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 10-16 | 8-30 players | 15-25 minutes | Long open corridor, gym, or outdoor path with room for a full line

Materials

Two signs or cones: one labelled “Strongly Agree,” one labelled “Strongly Disagree”
Optional: tape line on the floor for indoor use
A prepared list of 4-6 value statements relevant to the group’s theme or session focus

Quick-Run Card

Setup and Boundaries

Mark the two ends of the spectrum clearly with signs or cones
Signal: raised hand = everyone pauses movement and listens
Establish a community agreement before starting: “We hear different opinions with curiosity, not judgement”
Check the space for safe footing; tape lines can be slippery on smooth floors

How to Play

Staff introduces the spectrum: one end is Strongly Agree, the other is Strongly Disagree. The middle is “it depends” or “I’m not sure.”
Staff reads the first value statement clearly and slowly. Example: “Fairness is more important than winning.”
Participants walk to the spot on the line that reflects their current view.
Staff invites 2-3 participants from different positions to share briefly why they are standing there. Listening, not debating, is the expectation.
Participants may shift their position after hearing others if their thinking changes.
Repeat with the next statement.
After all statements, divide into smaller groups for a deeper conversation (count off by twos, or divide at the midpoint of the line for more homogeneous groups on a specific topic).

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Move decisively and share reasoning with the group
S (Support): Stand near the midpoint and help bridge perspectives from both ends
Q (Quiet): Find your spot and listen; share only if moved to
O (Observer): Watch from the side; share one reflection at the debrief

Inclusion Adaptations

Participants who prefer not to move can place a token or card on a floor spectrum instead
For groups with varying literacy levels, staff reads statements slowly and clearly; visual prompts (thumbs up/down cards) can supplement the line

Stewardship Moment

Signs and cones are reused for every session; store them carefully
Reflection: “Our values shape how we treat each other and our environment. What’s one value we all seem to share?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “You’ll be sharing your opinion on some value statements. For those not comfortable stating their position out loud, moving to a spot on the line is enough. You never have to explain yourself unless you want to.”
Mid-game check: After the first statement, pause and check in: “How is everyone feeling about the activity? Any adjustments needed?”
Opt-out/re-entry: Participants can stand at the midpoint without sharing a reason, or step to the side and observe until they are ready to join.

Risks and Mitigation

Debate escalates beyond respectful dialogue: staff restates the listening agreement and shifts to a lighter statement
Participants cluster at the midpoint to avoid commitment: validate that “I’m not sure” is a real and important position
A statement lands as divisive or sensitive for the group: staff reads the room and skips or rephrases

Warm-Up Suggestions

“This or That”: rapid-fire light preferences (pizza or pasta? mountains or beach?) to practise moving and committing to a position
“Community Agreements Round”: group co-creates 2-3 agreements for how they will listen during the activity

Debrief Questions

What? “Which statement had the most spread across the line? Which had the most agreement?”
So What? “What did it feel like to stand somewhere different from people you are close to?”
Now What? “How might understanding someone’s values help you work with them better?”

Cleanup and Reset