Participatory Methods

Wishes

Wishes is a participatory activity that combines a simple icebreaker with the collection of participants’ expectations at the beginning of a collaborative session. Each person shares three wishes related to what they would like to achieve during the event or session, along with an important fact about themselves. It’s ideal for starting training sessions, workshops, or meetings by aligning expectations and fostering connection among attendees.

Preparation

  1. Define the purpose:
    • Collect participants’ expectations for the event.
    • Create an open and personal atmosphere.
    • Break the ice and encourage active participation from the start.
  2. Prepare the materials:
    • Sheets of paper or cards for each participant.
    • Pens or pencils.
    • Whiteboard, flipchart, or large paper to record the wishes.
    • Optional: a space to store the wishes for review at the end of the event.
  3. Set up the space:
    • Arrange the chairs in a circle or a layout that encourages participation and visual connection among all attendees.
  4. To run the activity virtually:
    • Use collaborative platforms where participants can write their wishes on a shared board.
    • Ask each participant to share their wishes verbally while the facilitator writes them down in a shared document in real time.

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Introduction to the activity:
    • Explain that participants will share three wishes related to what they hope to achieve during the event, along with an important personal fact.
    • Mention that these wishes will help align expectations and create a collaborative environment.
  2. Individual reflection:
    • Give participants 5 minutes to think about and write down their wishes on the provided sheets.
    • If possible, send this prompt in advance so they come prepared to the session.
  3. Sharing wishes:
    • Each participant shares their name, one important fact about themselves, and their three wishes.
    • The facilitator records the wishes on a flipchart, whiteboard, or large paper visible to everyone.
  4. Reviewing expectations:
    • Once everyone has shared, the facilitator reviews the wishes aloud.
    • Provide an overview of the event, highlighting which wishes will be addressed and being transparent about any that may not be covered.
  5. Initial closing:
    • Thank participants for sharing and mention how these expectations will help guide the event’s activities.
Recommendations
  1. Send the prompt in advance: If possible, ask participants to reflect on their wishes before the event.
  2. Set a positive tone: Encourage participants to share achievable and event-related wishes.
  3. Organize a reflective closing: At the end of the event, review the original wishes and reflect on which ones were fulfilled.
  4. Facilitate participation: Make sure all participants have time to share their wishes without interruptions.
  5. Record the wishes: Keep a record to refer back to during and after the event.
Inspiration

Creative rituals to enhance the “Wishes” activity

  • Wishing tree: Hang the written wishes on a real or artificial tree using ribbons or clips, symbolizing growth and possibility.
  • Dream balloon: Place wishes inside balloons, inflate them, and keep them visible in the room as a reminder.
  • Goal map: Display the wishes on a visual map where each participant connects personal goals with group objectives.
  • Time capsule: Store the wishes in a box to be opened and reviewed at the end of the event for reflection.
  • Fire ritual: At the end, participants symbolically burn the wishes that weren’t fulfilled as a way to release expectations.
  • Wishing cloud: Use a whiteboard or large paper shaped like a cloud for participants to write and place their wishes in the “sky” of the event.
  • Path of achievements: Lay out the wishes on the floor as a symbolic path to be walked throughout the event.
  • River of ideas: Place the wishes in paper “boats” floating on a symbolic or artificial river, flowing toward a shared goal.
  • Collective collage: Turn wishes into images and words to create a collaborative visual mural.
  • Box of fulfilled wishes: At the end, participants place completed wishes into a special box to celebrate their success.
  • Lanterns of hope: Place wishes inside paper lanterns that participants “light” at the end of the event.
  • Flower of wishes: Draw or cut out a flower where each petal represents a shared wish from the group.
  • Wall of achievements: Dedicate a wall where participants stick their original wishes and mark which ones were fulfilled.
  • Circle of intentions: At the end, participants read their wishes aloud while standing in a circle for collective reflection.
  • Gratitude tree: Alongside their original wishes, participants write something they are grateful for at the end of the event.
  • Chest of group wishes: Transform individual wishes into shared group goals placed in a common chest.
  • Mountain of dreams: Represent wishes as a mountain to climb during the event, with progress markers along the way.
  • Wish candle: Light a symbolic candle at the beginning and end of the event to represent the energy of the group’s wishes.
  • Mirror of reflections: At the end, each participant reviews their wishes in front of a symbolic mirror.
  • Path of footprints: Each participant leaves a footprint next to their wish on a visual path that’s revisited at the end.
Materials
  • Sheets of paper or cards.
  • Pens or pencils.
  • Flipchart, large paper, or whiteboard.
Online platforms
Purpose
The purpose of Wishes is to align group expectations, foster a collaborative and personal atmosphere, and help the facilitator understand participants' needs and motivations in order to adapt the event accordingly.
Type of activity
Collective ReflectionParticipatory EvaluationParticipatory Interaction
Level of participation
Collaboration, Empowerment, Knowledge generation, 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, Innovation and design, Research and evaluation, Conflict resolution, Technology and digital environments, Citizen and social participation
Estimated duration
15-20 minutes.
Ideal number of participants
10-30 people.
Topics related to this activity
Active ListeningCauses and EffectsCollaborative LearningCollaborative ReflectionCollective ReflectionContinuous ImprovementCreative Problem SolvingGroup CreativityGroup StrengtheningIcebreaker ActivityInclusive ParticipationKnowledge GenerationPerspective ExchangeStrategic PlanningPositive CommunicationProblem SolvingStrategic PlanningStrategic ReflectionTeam-Building ActivitiesTeamwork
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