When we are out of ideas of our own, we all need friends and colleagues we can count on for help. We need people who have already "been there and done that" to keep us from becoming frustrated and having to start from scratch on a project. It is wonderful to build that network over time with people who can mentor us, as well as those who are new to education whom we can help in some way. This month, I was faced with the challenge of teaching a group that had seen all my creative ideas every year for the past 4 years. I put out a call for help to my friends and colleagues. My friend, Doug McCallum, responded and provided me with one of his best activity ideas, and I found the group loved it as well. I see this as a gift of generosity and sharing so prevalent with educators and trainers. I am grateful to be a part of that network.

To use this activity, you need a see-through plastic bag and index cards of different colors. Divide the group into small groups of two to six people, and give each team index cards in one color. Distribute the index cards so that each person has one. Explain the rules of the activity in this way: Each person is to write "Have you ever[horizontal ellipsis]" on his/her index card. They are to think of something they have done or experienced that may be an experience someone else has had. For example, "Have you ever done CPR on a real human?" or "Have you ever gone skydiving?" There are two rules to follow: Rule 1: They must have experienced that activity themselves (you cannot ask if anyone has gone skydiving if you yourself have not). Rule 2: The questions must be family style and nonoffensive. This helps to frame the activity positively so no one asks an inappropriate question. Take part in this activity by writing a "Have you ever[horizontal ellipsis]" question yourself about an experience that is common to the group (to give yourself credibility) or unique (to set yourself apart) depending on the group and your goals.

Gather the index cards in the plastic bag. If you are nervous about what some will write, screen the questions at break before completing the rest of this activity. Gather the group into a circle standing shoulder to shoulder. Pass the bag around to the group and ask each person to randomly select an index card that is a different color from the one he/she wrote on so no one has his/her own question. Join the circle yourself with the leftover index card in the bag. Begin by reading your card (e.g., "Have you ever given dopamine?"). If anyone in the circle has given dopamine, he/she has take one step forward, pause, then step back out into the outer circle. If no one has, everyone should remain in the outer circle. This allows everyone to see how common or unique experiences are and, therefore, to network afterward. At least one person will step forward for each question since the questions were written from experience.

I hope you like this idea and are developing your own network of colleagues.

Good luck and give this a try!

Michele L. Deck, MEd, BSN, RN, LCCE, FACCE