Activity 9: The Levels of Personal Identity

Objective: This exercise invites participants to take an integrated approach to understanding personal identity, to embrace what we have in common and what makes us different. We are individuals, we are part of groups, and we are part of the universal human experience.

Micro-aggressions can occur when one solely focuses on the individual or universal experience and minimizes or denies the group experience of a person’s identity. Taking an integrated approach can lead to a more accurate understanding of someone else’s personal identity.

Duration: 60 minutes

Group size: 8-12

Material: Papers or post-its and pens/markers

Method: Self-reflection, silent floor, experiential learning

Sources: Multicultural social work practice: A competency-based approach to diversity and social justice, DW Sue, MN Rasheed, JM Rasheed, (p.16-19)

Target groups: Initiators, Observers, Receivers

Course Content

Step 1: Introduction

Step 2: Self-reflection

Step 3: Understanding Others

Step 4: Reflect in the Group

Step 5: Conclusion