Your Fullest Name

This activity works well with Identity Star, you may wish to combine the two or lead them one after another.

1. Give each participant a piece of folded paper and ask them to write their full name on one side
2. Ask them to turn the paper over and write 3 identities that they feel the strongest right now
3. Split the group into groups of 3-4 young people
4. Ask the groups to go around the circle sharing any meanings, significance, culture, significant ancestors etc in relation to their name. You can use these prompt questions:

• Who gave you your name? Why that name?
• Do you know the ethnic origin of your name?
• Do you know the meaning of your name? Is it relevant for you?
• Do you have any nicknames? If so, how did you get them? do you like all the nicknames that you have?
• What is your preferred name?

5. Allow time for everyone in each group to share, 5-10 minutes. Then, ask them to share and reflect on the top 3 identities they wrote down. You can use these prompt questions:

• Why are these identities important to you?
• What do your identities say about you, that your name doesn’t?
• How did you get these identities?

6. Allow time for everyone in each group to share, 5-10 minutes.
7. When everyone has shared, get the group back together and ask for one or two people to share how it felt to share in the group. What did they learn?
8. Now invite a wider reflection, ask them Is your name related in some way with some of the top 3 identities? How? Encourage the participants to share in the group. Allow time for 4-6 reflections from around the room.
9. Finalise the activity with a group reflection and debrief using the questions below

Please refer to the Learning Objectives above for each age group when explaining, facilitating, and recapping this activity. Select the questions relevant to the age group and their objectives.

• Why is a name important?
• Does your family name have a deeper meaning to you or within your community?
• What similar identities did you have with your peers, and which identities differed? Why is it important to reflect on these differences?
• Why might this be important when we think about peace and dialogue? 

As the adult leader, you should also encourage other reflection and questions based on your knowledge, experience and desired objectives