VIPP_Unicef

1 Introduction
Conferences, workshops, seminars, training sessions and other
group events are often formal affairs where participants are
required to listen to a large number of speeches from a dais, set
rigidly before rows of chairs or a boardroom-style table. Hierarchical
relationships are strictly adhered to. Speakers come with fixed positions
on various subject matter and attempt to pass on information in
lectures, relying on their wit and charm to keep audiences receptive.
Very often discussion sessions consist of another series of formal
speeches with little or no feedback. Often the content is lost because
participants become bored and begin to talk among themselves or daydream
when the speaker is not entertaining. The form of the event is
given more importance than the content.
Everyone has experienced formal and superficial group events. Yet
everyone also knows how difficult it is to come to an agreement and to
achieve consensus on action to be taken in a democratic way,
respecting all viewpoints while balancing the need for professional or
expert input.
This manual is directed to everyone who wants to improve the
traditional style of group events. It gives advice and ideas to organizers,
outlining ways to make improvements. It offers ideas for supervisors
on how they can involve their staff creatively and how employees can
help change the practices of over-directive supervisors. It is especially
designed for trainers who believe in the potential of creative human
dynamics.
VIPP means "Visualization in Participatory Programmes", a peoplecentered
approach to planning, training and other group events. Based
on a philosophy of trusting in the capacities and creativity of human
beings, it combines techniques of visualization with methods for
interactive learning. VIPP methods democratize the interaction
between people. Although many people may be familiar with
participatory methods, this method is different. At the core of VIPP is
the use of a large number of multi-coloured paper cards of different
shapes and sizes on which the participants express their main ideas in
large enough letters or diagrams to be seen by the whole group. Private
note taking is not necessary as the clustered cards are photographed,
scanned or photocopied for each participant as a collective memory.
By this method, everyone takes part in the process of arriving at a
consensus. Less talkative participants find a means of expression and
those who might normally dominate a group lose control and are forced
to let others have their say. By visualizing the group's main proceedings,
repetition and circularity in argument are reduced.
THE ROOTS AND PHILOSOPHY OF VIPP
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