1. Opening Circle & Framing (20 min)

Facilitator explains why this workshop exists:

“We are not here to compare pain or measure who had it harder.
We are here to understand how different lives, cultures, and histories meet — and how we can be supportive to one another today.”

Key agreements:

• participation is voluntary

• no one is expected to share personal trauma

• we speak from “I”

• no stereotyping or generalizations

Short check-in: name + one value that feels important today.

2. Forming Diverse Groups (5 min)

Participants are placed into intentionally mixed groups
(culture, language, gender, experience).

Each group chooses simple roles:

• timekeeper

• note-keeper

• care-holder (watches group dynamics)- refer to the Safe space section if conflict arises

3. Shared Timeline (core block): Life, Culture, Movement (30 min)

Each group creates a shared timeline on large paper. Participants are invited to add one element, choosing from prompts:

• a cultural tradition or value

• a moment of change or transition

• a place that shaped them

• a moment of loss, care, or resilience (no details required)

Rules:

• one element per prompt

• short explanations only

• no questioning or correcting others

• listening > discussing

Reflection inside groups:

• What feels shared across our stories?

• What is different but equally important?

• What values appear again and again?

4. Gallery Walk & Pattern Recognition (15 min)

Groups walk around and observe other timelines.

Participants place sticky notes:

•  “This resonates with me”

•  “This taught me something new”

No discussion yet — just noticing.

5. Collective Meaning-Making (15-30 min)

Facilitator leads a whole-group reflection:

• What patterns do we see across timelines?

• Where do pain and strength coexist?

• What values seem to connect us despite differences?

This replaces the “success stories” block.

6. Cultural Bridge Mapping (15 min)

Back in groups, participants answer:

“Knowing what we know now — how can people like us be supportive bridges for one another?”

They create a simple visual map using post-its:

• actions

• attitudes

• small practices of care

• small practices of inclusion

Add at least one post-it per 

7. Collective Action Planning (10 min)

Groups propose one realistic shared action, e.g.:

• intercultural buddy system

• dialogue circle

• shared cultural event

• creative community wall

No pressure to “save the world”.

8. Closing Reflection & De-roling (10 min)

Each participant finishes the sentence (verbally or on paper):

• “One thing I will take with me is…”

• “One value I want to practice more is…”

If further grounding is needed, you can invite everyone to stand up and gently shake out their hands, arms, and legs, letting go of any remaining tension or emotions. Encourage them to take a few deep breaths as they do this, allowing themselves to release the intensity of the exercise.