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Circles of influence

The circles of influence exercise provides a useful starting point for introducing sustainable development issues into youth work. It offers a way to encourage talking and thinking about where activities and action on sustainable development can be introduced into work with young people. The activity can be used with young people or within a staff team.

The aims of the exercise are to:
  • identify the effects that individuals, groups and institutions can have on our quality of life
  • identify action we can take individually and collectively to bring about change locally, nationally and internationally to improve quality of life now and in the future.

The exercise can be undertaken by a small group or it can be used individually, with the findings then shared in a small group.

PROCESS

Stage 1

Download or print and use the chart to help identify what influences your life and how you can make changes.

Stage 2

Each group member starts by focusing on the centre of the circle in section 1. They reflect on the statement and make notes in each section in turn, for example, which members of my family have an effect on me? How can I influence them?

Stage 3

Depending on the group, you can have a brief discussion on the group's responses to the 'inner circle' of 'My family and friends' before moving on to the second circle, focusing on 'My community'. The process can then be repeated, focusing on 'National and international' themes.

Stage 4

The group may want to compile a collective list of common themes and begin to look at their priority concerns in any of the areas. The answers can be discussed as a group and the action steps that are agreed can be transferred onto a larger sheet that represents the whole group/team's views.
 
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