Objectives

1. To learn how to effectively brainstorm;
2. To practice brainstorming as a group;
3. Taking the first step in figuring out what qualities the Youth Group wants and doesn't want in their advisors, for future establishment of processes for advisor recruitment, selection, and dismissal.

Materials

• Newsprint
• Lots of markers (enough for several different colors for each group)
• Masking tape
• Handout on brainstorming (one copy for each participant)

Preparation
Copy the handout on brainstorming. Review the handout, highlighting the important points for easy reference, so when you lead the discussion you do not have to read the paper word for word, but can refer to key words and talk about each point.

Activity: Talking about what brainstorming is

1. Pass out the handout on brainstorming.
2. Go over each point briefly, giving examples and illustrations.
3. Ask if there are any questions, or need for clarification.

Activity: Visual Brainstorming, the Ideal Youth Advisor
Tell the group something to the effect of: "Brainstorming is a fabulous way to generate ideas and take a step toward planning. But, what do you do if no one is excited about planning anything? Then it is time to get the creative juices flowing with a little visual brainstorming."

On a sheet of newsprint, draw a large simple stick figure. Have group members call out words that come to mind when they think of various aspects of the ideal advisor. Tell them these can be mundane like "owns a van," or particular like "has clear sexual boundaries." As they call out a quality, represent it symbolically on the stick figure. For example, if they call out "has a van," you may draw a set of keys in the figure's hand and a van behind the figure; if they call out "emotionally supportive," you may draw them standing next to a chair with a heart on it; if they call out "open-minded," draw an open door in the side of the figure's head; or if they call out "non-judgmental," draw a gavel in their hand with a big "NO" symbol on top of it. Be creative, and if you are stuck for a symbolic representation, ask the group for help. Once they catch on to your method of brainstorming, they will join in on the fun. Invite them to come up and help with the drawing.

Note: It is almost inevitable that there will be words that are exact opposites on this list. If members seem to feel the need to "convince" each other, emphasize that this is brainstorming, so anything goes, as well as the fact that, for example, advisors often need to possess opposite characteristics (which is why it is so important to have more than one advisor: each one brings his or her own unique skills).

Brainstorming is an easy method of quickly generating creative solutions to difficult problems. The following thoughts may help you effectively guide and utilize a brainstorming session:

1. Remember (and remind the group) that brainstorming is a time when the censor is turned off. Let the ideas out freely, no matter how wacky they may be.
2. The more specific the problem or question addressed, the more productive the brainstorming.
3. Set a limit on the duration of the brainstorm beforehand, but if the ideas are still coming, don't be afraid to extend the time.
4. It is often helpful to go around the group at the end to get any last or "censored" ideas, especially from less forthcoming members.
5. If the problem requires complex solutions, plans-of-action, or if the group tends to be unassertive, a useful brainstorming process is to have each group member write privately for a certain length of time and then share with the group. Make sure someone records each person's main ideas where everyone can see them. (The same process can also be used with small groups or pairs generating private brainstorms and then sharing.)
6. If the group is hesitant to work on a concrete problem because of low energy or clarity, you may want to pump them up with a visual brainstorm. This style is not normally used for solution-oriented processes, but to get ideas flowing toward potential solutions. This method is simple and fun.
7. A common problem is that after creating a list of ideas, nobody is quite sure how to deal with the list. You might want to try the following method of narrowing things down:
   • Go down the list, clarifying what each item means, getting questions about it answered, briefly discussing it for pros and cons, and then coming to consensus on whether or not the group wants to keep the item on the list.
   • Repeat the process, emphasizing the comparative value of each remaining item during discussion.
   • The list of items should now be small enough that the group can come to agreement on which item(s) should be used or followed up on.
8. Another way to process the results of brainstorming is the "Affinity" technique:
   • Write each idea down on a post-it.
   • Place all the post-its on a white board or other smooth surface so they will stick.
   • Move the post-its on the white board until similar ones are gathered together. Do this all together. Continue until no further movement seems needed.
   • Title each grouping and move similar groups together.
   • Title each grouping of groups, move similar groupings together, title, and repeat until you agree to stop or until there is one title for the group hierarchy.
   • Voilą! Now you may choose to base your next steps on the group titles.