Participatory Methods

Circle of gratitude

The circle of gratitude is a participatory activity where participants recognize and highlight something positive about their peers after engaging in group activities. This exercise fosters empathy, mutual recognition, and strengthens team cohesion, creating a positive and trusting environment.

Preparation

  1. Define the purpose:
    • Establish the goal: to foster gratitude, strengthen bonds, or conclude an activity on a positive note?
  2. Select the right moment:
    • Conduct the activity after a collaborative session or at the close of a workshop or group event.
  3. Prepare the space:
    • If in-person, arrange a circle where everyone can see each other face-to-face.
    • If virtual, use a platform with a gallery view to replicate group interaction.
  4. Optional materials:
    • Cards or sticky notes for participants to write their gratitude messages.
    • Symbolic objects like a ball or microphone to pass among participants.

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Introduce the purpose
    • Explain that the goal is to recognize and express gratitude for something positive each participant has observed or experienced with their peers.
    • Share the importance of gratitude in building relationships and group cohesion.
  2. Set the circle’s rules
    • Emphasize that expressions of gratitude should be sincere, specific, and positive.
    • Ensure everyone participates, taking turns and avoiding interruptions.
  3. Start the circle of gratitude
    • Ask one participant to begin by thanking another group member for something specific (e.g., “I thank [name] for their support in…”).
    • The thanked participant can then express gratitude to someone else, and so on.
  4. Optional: Write the gratitude messages
    • If preferred, participants can write their messages on cards and share them aloud or deliver them to the recipient.
  5. Close the circle
    • Once everyone has participated, conclude the activity by thanking the group for their willingness and reflecting on the importance of recognizing others’ value.
  6. Group reflection (optional)
    • Facilitate a brief discussion on how participants felt while giving and receiving gratitude:
      • What impact did this activity have on them?
      • How could the practice of gratitude be applied in other contexts?
Recommendations
  • Encourage sincerity: Motivate participants to be specific and genuine in their expressions of gratitude.
  • Create a safe environment: Establish a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing and receiving gratitude.
  • Document the process: If possible, keep written gratitude messages for participants to preserve as a reminder.
  • Adapt the format: For large groups, divide into subgroups to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate.
Inspiration
When to run a Circle of gratitude
  • At the end of a group session: To conclude on a positive note and highlight individual contributions.
  • After completing a joint project: To acknowledge the effort and skills that led to collective success.
  • Following a problem-solving activity: To value the ideas and support provided by participants.
  • During a monthly team meeting: To encourage consistent recognition in workplace settings.
  • At the end of a training session or workshop: To reflect on learnings and highlight peer support.
  • As part of a feedback session: To balance constructive comments with positive acknowledgments.
  • During a celebration or special event: To publicly appreciate each member’s contributions during key moments.
  • In weekly follow-up meetings: To reinforce achievements and positive attitudes within the team.
  • After resolving a group conflict: To restore cohesion and trust by recognizing individual contributions.
  • At the end of an academic or work year: To reflect on the collective and personal impact of completed activities.
  • As part of a retreat or group gathering: To strengthen connections and value interactions during the event.
  • When welcoming new team members: To create a warm and inclusive environment for newcomers.
  • During organizational change processes: To recognize the team’s adaptability, effort, and resilience.
  • In community development activities: To publicly thank volunteers or participants for their involvement.
  • After a challenging or stressful event: To boost group morale by highlighting the positives.
  • As part of team-building activities: To strengthen emotional bonds in newly formed teams.
  • At the close of an important cycle or stage: To emphasize learnings and participant contributions.
  • Following creative or brainstorming sessions: To acknowledge the energy and creativity brought to the process.
  • In remote team meetings: To foster human connections in virtual contexts through sincere recognition.
Materials
  • Space to form a circle (if in-person).
  • Cards or sticky notes (optional).
  • Symbolic objects to pass the turn (optional).
Online platforms
Purpose

The purpose of the Circle of gratitude is to strengthen bonds among participants, recognize their contributions, and create a positive environment that fosters empathy and collaboration.

Type of activity
Participatory EvaluationParticipatory InteractionParticipatory Learning
Level of participation
Collaboration, Empowerment, Exchange of perspectives
Target audience
Educators, Facilitators, Students, Community leaders, NGOs and social collectives, Business teams, Government, Creative designers, Researchers
Fields of application
Education and training, Community development, Organizational and business management, Urban and rural planning, Health and social well-being, Art, culture, and creativity, Sustainability and environment, Public policies and governance, Research and evaluation, Conflict resolution, Citizen and social participation
Estimated duration
From 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the group size and the chosen modality.
Ideal number of participants
From 6 to 20 participants, though it can be adapted for larger groups with time limits per turn.
Topics related to this activity
Active CollaborationActive LearningActive ListeningCauses and EffectsCollaborative LearningCollective LearningCollective ReflectionContinuous ImprovementCritical ThinkingGroup CreativityInclusive ParticipationKnowledge GenerationParticipatory AnalysisPositive DynamicProject ManagementPublic SpeakingTeam StrengtheningTeamworkVisual Communication
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