Wall of History
An activity that lasts throughout the year
Notre Dame AmeriCorps (Apopka, FL) engages members in creating a Wall of History during orientation and then revisits the activity at different times. It is a tool for reflection, as well as a way to build esprit d'corps.
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Materials
For this activity, you'll need a long strip of butcher paper, markers, and magazines that can be cut up. Draw a timeline on the paper and establish four sections to address:
- How did you get here?
- What are your hopes and dreams?
- What's happening now?
- Where are you going next?
At Orientation
Through written remarks and collage, ask members to reflect on the past few years of their life and what influenced their decision to serve. Then facilitate a discussion on what members contributed to the wall.
Click the play button to hear Notre Dame AmeriCorps director Laura Firtel explain why she starts the year with this activity.
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After members have discussed their personal histories, Firtel asks them to add their hopes and dreams to the wall. A group discussion follows. Then, Firtel tells the group they'll see the wall again, but she doesn't explain when or why.
At Midyear
Halfway through the year, Firtel brings out the wall again. Members are asked to add reflections to the portion of the wall that focuses on "What's happening now?"
Click the play button to hear why the timing may be tied to a particular event.
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At the End of the Year
The wall makes its last appearance during a two-day retreat at the close of the service term. Firtel asks members to look back and reflect on whether their expectations were met, how their dreams may have changed, and what their future holds.
Click the play button for Firtel's end-of-year questions
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Go back to Orientation Topics
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