How to Use ForumCards: Exploring Relationships

Each participant is asked to select 3-5 cards and then to choose one that resonates most strongly for them at this time and why, and one with which they identify least and why.

Each participant can choose a current issue in their lives and then select 3 cards:

• One card representing the past (the context and how the issue started)
• One card representing the present (where they are with the issue today, how they feel and options they are considering)
• One card representing the future (what they really want – the ideal outcome and actions to be taken)

Here are two different ways to use ForumCards:Relationships as a means to better understanding relationship essentials.

Option 1:

Each participant selects a card and then talks about how that specific card relates to them in a particular relationship; e.g the thoughts, feelings and emotions that have surfaced.

Option 2: (Requires two decks of cards)

Each participant (up to 12) is given 5 cards by the facilitator. Participants are asked to trade cards with other members so they end up with the 5 cards they believe are most essential for flourishing relationships. When trading, participants are asked to explain to the card holder why they want a particular card and what card they can give in return and why. This is a negotiation. However, nobody has to surrender or trade a card they wish to keep.
The facilitator holds a second deck of cards so the participants can also trade their cards with this deck. At the end of the activity, participants can discuss their feelings about the cards they wound up with.

For mature groups, where members know each other well and have created mutual trust and respect, a member can select a card for another person in the group and state how this card (image or word) relates to the other person.

It is possible to divide a large group into pairs. In this case, two people work together first and then share cards and insights with the rest of the group.

Face up or Face Down

When cards are face up, participants can actively choose their card(s). When cards are face down there is an element of the unknown and the facilitator can ask participants why they think they received a particular card(s) at this specific time in their life. This may trigger deeper learning and a new way for participants to look at themselves and their issues.

Role of the Facilitator

The facilitator can adapt the uses to match the goals and nature of his/her group. When a person is sharing in a group setting it is important that he/she speaks uninterrupted. The facilitator determines the timing of the sharing, the subsequent discussion and the lessons learned. Timing will depend upon group goals, the number of participants and the time available.