Intersectionality String Game: Building Empathy Through Shared Connections

Activity Overview

An experiential learning activity that uses physical string connections to help participants explore intersectionality by visualizing how identities and experiences create both shared connections and unique differences within a group.

Educational Objectives

Primary Learning Goals

• Explore intersectionality as lived experience rather than abstract concept
• Visualize connections between seemingly different people
• Foster empathy through shared story recognition
• Highlight complexity of individual identity formation
• Build community through vulnerability and shared experiences

Conceptual Framework

Intersectionality Definition: The interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender, creating overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage.

Activity Specifications

Materials Required

• One ball of string or yarn (sufficient length for group size)
• Comfortable seating arranged in circle formation
• Optional: Flip chart paper for capturing reflections

Group Parameters

• Ideal size: 5-15 participants
• Minimum space: Large enough for circle formation with movement
• Time allocation: 10-20 minutes activity + 10-15 minutes debrief
• Setting: Safe, confidential space for personal sharing

Detailed Facilitation Guide

Phase 1: Setup and Introduction (3-5 minutes)

Circle Formation

• Arrange participants in comfortable circle
• Facilitator holds string ball, models accessibility and openness
• Create atmosphere of safety and voluntary participation

Concept Introduction

"This activity explores how our diverse life experiences create unexpected connections between us. We'll discover both our similarities and differences by sharing aspects of our stories."

Intersectionality Context (Optional)

• Brief explanation of intersectionality as framework
• Emphasize how multiple identity aspects create unique experiences
• Note that all identities are complex and multi-faceted

Phase 2: Modeling and Initial Sharing (3-5 minutes)

Facilitator Demonstration
Share 3-4 authentic personal details covering different identity aspects:

• Educational background
• Family structure
• Geographic history
• Interests/hobbies
• Life experiences

Example Facilitator Share:

"I'm [Name], graduated with a degree in Social Work, single parent with a young daughter, moved to this city when I was ten, and I love going to movies."

Phase 3: Connection Building (8-12 minutes)

Connection Protocol

• Participants interrupt when hearing shared experiences
• Take hold of string section when connecting
• Share their own story with similar structure
• Pass yarn ball to next person with connection

Facilitator Prompts:

"If you hear something that resonates with your experience—perhaps where someone grew up, a hobby you share, or a similar life situation—please take the string and continue sharing your own story."

Web Formation Process

• Each participant retains their string section
• Visual web emerges as connections multiply
• Encourage both obvious and subtle connections
• Allow natural conversation flow while maintaining structure

Phase 4: Web Analysis (2-3 minutes)

Visual Processing

• Pause when all participants hold string
• Allow moment for visual observation of created web
• Note complexity and interconnectedness of pattern

Reflection Prompt:

"Look at this web we've created together. This represents our interconnected experiences and identities. Each person brings something unique, yet we're woven together through shared experiences."

Comprehensive Debrief Framework

Immediate Reflection Questions

Connection Discovery

• "What surprised you about the connections you discovered?"
• "Which shared experiences did you not expect to find?"
• "How did it feel to interrupt and claim connections?"

Intersectionality Understanding

• "How does this web demonstrate intersectionality in action?"
• "What does this show us about the complexity of identity?"
• "How do our multiple identities create both connections and uniqueness?"

Group Dynamics Insights

• "What does this activity reveal about assumptions we make about others?"
• "How might this change how we approach group differences?"
• "What strengths do we discover in our diversity?"

Deeper Analysis Questions

Identity Complexity

• "How did sharing multiple aspects of your identity feel different from single-label introductions?"
• "What identities did you choose to share versus keep private?"
• "How do different contexts bring forward different aspects of who we are?"

Community Building Implications

• "How might this understanding change how we build inclusive communities?"
• "What responsibility do we have to create space for complex identities?"
• "How can we honor both connections and differences?"

Systems Thinking

• "What systems or structures influence which identities we feel safe sharing?"
• "How do power dynamics affect whose stories get heard?"
• "What would need to change for everyone to feel safe sharing authentically?"

Advanced Facilitation Techniques

Managing Emotional Responses

Creating Safety

• Emphasize voluntary participation throughout
• Monitor for signs of discomfort or overwhelm
• Provide alternative participation methods for those uncomfortable sharing
• Have support resources available if needed

Handling Difficult Moments

• If someone shares trauma: acknowledge, redirect to positive support
• If connections are minimal: explore why, discuss different types of connections
• If dominance emerges: gently redirect to ensure all voices included

Adaptation Strategies

Virtual Adaptation

• Use digital whiteboard for visual web creation
• Breakout rooms for smaller connection circles
• Chat functions for parallel connection sharing
• Screen annotation tools for web building

Accessibility Modifications

• Written sharing options for verbal challenges
• Movement alternatives for physical limitations
• Multiple communication modes (visual, auditory, kinesthetic)
• Flexible participation levels

Cultural Responsiveness

• Adjust sharing expectations for cultural comfort levels
• Include diverse identity categories beyond Western frameworks
• Consider collectivist vs. individualist cultural orientations
• Respect varying comfort levels with personal disclosure

Learning Assessment

Immediate Indicators

• Visible engagement during sharing process
• Quality of connections made during activity
• Participation level in debrief discussions
• Evidence of perspective shifts in reflections

Longer-term Outcomes

• Changes in group interaction patterns
• Increased complexity in identity discussions
• Greater empathy in subsequent group activities
• Application of intersectionality concepts in other contexts

Extension Activities

Follow-up Explorations

Identity Mapping: Individual reflection on personal intersectionality
Privilege Walk Adaptation: Examining how intersections affect privilege
Story Circle Expansion: Deeper storytelling in smaller groups
Action Planning: Using insights for community building initiatives

Curricular Integration

Social Studies: Historical examples of intersectionality
Literature: Character analysis through intersectional lens
Science: Examining researcher positionality and bias
Health Education: Understanding health disparities through intersectional framework

Facilitator Development Notes

Essential Skills

• Deep listening abilities for authentic connection
• Group process management for safe space maintenance
• Intersectionality knowledge for accurate concept framing
• Trauma-informed practice for emotional safety

Common Challenges

Surface-level sharing: Encourage deeper vulnerability through modeling
Unequal participation: Use gentle redirection to include all voices
Conceptual confusion: Clarify intersectionality through concrete examples
Time management: Balance sharing time with reflection processing

Research and Theoretical Foundations

Intersectionality Theory Origins

• Kimberlé Crenshaw's foundational work on legal intersectionality
• Patricia Hill Collins' matrix of domination framework
• Audre Lorde's writings on difference and connection
• bell hooks' pedagogy of hope and critical consciousness

Educational Philosophy

• Experiential learning theory (Kolb)
• Critical pedagogy approaches (Freire)
• Social justice education frameworks
• Community-based learning methodologies

Implementation Success Factors

Environmental Prerequisites

• Psychological safety established before activity
• Confidentiality agreements for shared stories
• Inclusive facilitation throughout process
• Follow-up support available as needed

Institutional Support

• Administrative backing for social justice education
• Professional development for facilitators
• Resource allocation for materials and time
• Community engagement with educational goals

This activity serves as a powerful introduction to intersectionality while building genuine community connections through shared vulnerability and authentic storytelling.