ABCD-Training-of-Trainers-Tools-July-2013

1.9.Power Walk
(adapted from UNICEF by the Coady International Institute)
Session Title
Session Objectives
Duration of Session
Resources
Training Materials
Power Walk
Identify power differences in communities
See how some people are excluded from participating in development
activities
Learn ways to be inclusive
Discover ways to focus on achievements and assets of all group
members
30 minutes
Large space for moving around
List of Power Walk Characters and Statements
Introduction
The basic principle of an asset-based approach is that it assumes that everyone has a skill or an asset he
or she can contribute. In facilitating an ABCD process, all kinds of undervalued personal strengths are
discovered, and people who had once been ignored or undervalued should be recognized and
encouraged to participate. People who have been on the fringes–such as women, the elderly, youth, or
the very poor–will earn more respect as a result of this process.
Nevertheless, maintaining a culture of inclusiveness may take work. Remember that the energy to take
action may start off with only a few people. As their activity builds momentum, more will join and more
will be invited to contribute what they have to offer. However, the capacity or power to participate in
asset based and community-driven development can be influenced by gender, class, levels of education,
wealth, ethnicity, political affiliations, and the constraints of time and place. Not everyone feels capable
of engaging in the process. This exercise will lead to discussions about how these power differences
that exclude some members of the community can be modified, challenged, or even transformed by the
process of ABCD.
Instructions
Find a room with lots of space to move around or you may choose to do this exercise outdoors. Write or
print out the following characters and give one to each participant in the training. They can be found in
the Training Materials Guide. You may also whisper the character into participants’ ear. Tell them to
that for the remainder of the exercise, they are to pretend they are this character in their home
communities. They must keep their character a secret.
Ask participants to form a line at the back of the room. Read aloud the statements below the
characters. If the participant (in their new role) can answer yes to any of the statements, tell them to
take one step forward. By the time you are finished reading the statements, you will see that those with
the most power have made their way to the front and those with the least are still at the back.
Power Walk Characters:
28