Get to Know You and Establish Group Norms
This downloadable activity is designed to build trust between group members by exploring what members have in common and what makes them unique.
Get To Know You and Establish Group Norms is a 30-minute downloadable activity designed to build trust between group members by exploring what members have in common and what makes them unique.
It is recommended that you do this activity before other relationship-building activities to establish a foundation for future work. Participants get to know each other by exploring what they have in common, and what differentiates them from the others. Then participants discuss what they need from the group to feel comfortable sharing thoughts and feelings.
Planning and Preparation: The activity can be conducted with five-30 participants. You’ll need large sticky poster paper, or tape and poster paper and a marker. Ideally, the room will have walls where participants can put up posters.
Developmental Relationship Element: All.
CASEL Competencies: Collaborating, self awareness, social awareness, relationship skills, responsible decision making.
Objective: To build and strengthen relationships among participants and between participants and leaders.
Activity
Get to Know You and Establish Group Norms
Resource Audience
Resource Type
Read Time
Participants
# of Participants
Task Group Size
Task Length
More Activities to Build Strong Relationships in Your Classroom or Group
Tool / Playbook
Youth Opportunity Toolkit
Tools and resources to support you on the pathway toward becoming a social capital promoting organization, based on Search Institute's Social Capital Framework.
Video
State of Developmental Relationships Webinar
State of Developmental Relationships Webinar: A Call to Action to Ensure All Young People Thrive (Nov. 17, 2021) lead by Ben Houltberg and Amy Syvertsen
Resources
“It Was a Support Network System that Made Me Believe in Myself”
Better understand how social capital helps young people secure education and employment opportunities.
Related Resources on Relational Practices
Guide
Planning Your Survey Goals Template
Use this template for helping you and your organization thoughtfully plan your survey goals.
Video
State of Developmental Assets Webinar 2025
Actionable insights on Developmental Assets and their impact on youth wellbeing in our free webinar featuring expert discussions and valuable resources.
Guide
Mapping Your Community Resources
Mapping Your Community Resources activity