Small Group Resources

YAGM Alumni Small Group Questions - DIP 2024 

• Mention that anything shared in this space is held in confidence among the members of the group 

• You don't have much time in your group time, so feel free to pick and choose your questions based on mood and sessions

• Lean into silent reflection time before people are asked to share with the group 

• Try to ask open-ended questions 

• Check in with everyone at each meeting 

• Some questions will also prepare them for the following sessions.  

• Feel free to pick and choose, bounce around, whatever suits the room at that moment 

• Be honest and open with your own stories and journey 

• Leave space for hard moments. 

• We trust you to know your group dynamics best. If you feel like they need a quick (or more intentional) break, or that you have come to a natural end point in the conversation/discussion, you can let your group go a few minutes early. 

Ideas for Conversation: 

The Map of Your Heart

• Provide participants with a blank world map and ask them to mark places they feel drawn to or have a connection with. Encourage them to share why these places are significant to them. 

The Journey of a Name

• Each participant shares the story behind their name. This could include its origin, meaning, or any significant events related to it. After sharing, everyone writes down one word that comes to mind when they hear the name of the person who just shared. These words can be positive traits or impressions. 

Reflection and Discussion

• What does the term "calling" mean to you? What calls you to this program and work? 

• What fears or doubts do you have about pursuing YAGM?

Mindfulness Check In

Anything else you want to do to start conversation! 

Thursday: 

8 - 8:45 pm 

This is a short session, so it will be more introductions than anything else 

• Introduce yourself, your pronouns, where you live right now, the country/year you served, and anything else you want to share with the group!

• Have everyone go around the room and introduce themselves with: 

• Name 

• Pronouns 

• Where they’re from

• What 2 countries they interviewed for 

• One word to describe how they’re feeling right now 

• You can insert your own fun question here to get to know them 

• If there is time left over after introductions: 

• What has led you to consider serving for a year? 

• What has prepared you for serving for a year? 

• Choose and do an activity from the icebreaker section (or one you think of yourself)!
  
   

Friday: 

5:30 - 6 pm 

• How are you feeling now that you have your country assignments? 

• What feelings and thoughts have the plenary sessions brought for you? 

• Have you learned something new? 

• How has your own activism or allyship served your own interests, if at all?

• How do you anticipate your racial or ethnic identity impacting your interactions and relationships in a different cultural context? 

• What have you felt, thought, said, or done when called out for your privilege? How would you react if it had not happened yet? 

Saturday: 

4 - 4:45 pm 

• What feelings and thoughts have the plenary sessions brought for you? Have you learned something new? 

• How do you navigate the intersections of your faith, race, gender, and other aspects of your identity?

• How do you approach the process of learning from and engaging with people from different cultural backgrounds? 

• What new core values and beliefs have you taken away from these sessions, if any?