HOW TO START A MOVEMENT

Purpose

This protocol is a fun way to demonstrate how a group builds a movement for change as it conducts its work. It builds upon a TED Talk to help participants feel shared leadership in something greater than themselves.

Materials

TED Talk: “How to Start a Movement” (see resources for link)
Projector, screen, speakers
Upbeat music

Timeframe

30-40 Minutes

Preparation

Facilitators will need to project and play the TED Talk for this protocol. It is also helpful to display the prompts used for this protocol. A playlist of upbeat music should also be queued up and ready. Participants will need space to move around the room.

Instructions

Step 1:

Introduce Protocol (2-5 min) Share the following information with participants:

This protocol will help participants see how they play a role in a movement such as the one our group, initiative, or project is leading.
It will remind us that we all play a leadership role.
The group will watch a TED Talk titled “How to Start a Movement.” Afterward, all participants will stand and move around the room as the music plays.
When the music stops, participants stop moving, find someone close to them to partner with, and give them a high five.
Pairs will have 6 minutes to share their response to a prompt; each should take a turn (3 minutes each).
After both partners share, they become a group and move together around the room as the music begins again. When the music stops, the pairs find another pair and create a group of 4; they share their responses to a new prompt in their group of 4. They will have 6 minutes (1-2 minutes each)
One final round occurs where the groups of 4 move around the room and combine with another group of 4. The last group of 8 shares their responses to a final prompt. They will have 10 minutes (1-2 minutes each)

Step 2:

TED Talk Video (3 min) “How to start a movement” TED Talk video.

Step 3:

How to Start A Movement Move Time (25 min)

When the video is finished, ask participants to stand.
Remind them that the music will begin, and they will start moving around the room, circulating among each other.
The Facilitator(s) begins the music and invites participants to move around the room. They should greet each other along the way. The music should play for 30-60 seconds before being stopped.
The facilitator stops the music, and participants stop moving and find someone close to them to partner with. Pairs greet each other with a high five.

Note: If participants are unfamiliar with each other, encourage them to exchange introductions before answering the question below.

The pairs have 6 minutes to share their responses to the following prompt. The facilitator(s) should display a slide with the first prompt.
- Think of a time you started or joined a movement you felt strongly about. Now, in thinking about the movement video we just watched, which of the characters do you identify with and WHY?
  - The Lone Nut
  - The First Follower
  - The second or third followers
  - Subsequent followers who contributed to the movement

After six minutes, the facilitator starts the music, and the pairs move around the room together. Allow 30-60 seconds of music to play.
When the music stops, participant pairs join with another pair, greet them with a high five, and share their responses to the following prompt. The facilitator(s) should display a slide with the second prompt.
- In one or two words, share: How do you feel about being part of this movement?
The groups of 4 will have 6 minutes for all in the group to share (1-2 minutes each). This group of 4 now stays together for the final round.
After six minutes, the facilitator starts the music, and the groups of 4 begin moving around the room together. Allow 30-60 seconds of music to play.
When the music stops, groups of 4 join with another group of 4, greet them with a high five, and share their responses to the following prompt. The facilitator(s) should display a slide with the second prompt.
- In a word, share: What do you bring to this movement?
Groups will have 10 minutes for all to share their responses. After 10 minutes, the facilitator should ask all participants to return to their seats.

Step 4:

Protocol Reflection (5 min)

The facilitator should ask the following questions and solicit responses from a few volunteers:

What did you learn from this activity?

Why do you think we went through this activity?

Note: This protocol can be adjusted so that participants do not stay together and they find a new partner with each round of music rather than staying together and creating a larger group of 8. Time can be shifted appropriately.

Resources & Further Reading

Examples of Use

This protocol can be used for Conocimiento or an Ultima Palabra or as a stand-alone protocol during a meeting, session, or workshop.