Who Am I

'Who Am I?' is a versatile and engaging icebreaker that can be adapted to introduce biodiversity-related themes in a range of settings. It encourages conversation about the personal connections to biodiversity and nature. While it is not designed as an intervention method to generate formal data, it serves as a valuable tool for initiating discussions. It is useful, for example, for NGOs building volunteer connections and engaging people at events, as well as in research contexts – for building rapport with participants).  In its use within the PLANET4B project, the game was called ‘who’, rather than '‘what’ am I?' to emphasise the human, nature connection.

In this module Lindy Binder explains how 'Who am I?' was used in PLANET4B. In this video she introduces the PLANET4B Learning Community with whom the method was designed:

In this video Lindy Binder explains the 'Who am I?' method:

Key Features

Participants:

• Suitable for groups of 4 –12 people – can be scaled up with multiple groups playing simultaneously.
• This is a very accessible game, adaptable for many different groups of people

Timeframe:

• Preparation can be minimal, if you simply write the names of the plants and animals to guess on pieces of paper, this can take 30 minutes or less. If you plan to design custom materials such as themed cards with images, allow a few hours to prepare
• Depending on group size the game can take about 45 minutes to play, including the discussion part (which, if required, can also be shortened).

When and Where to Play:

• Workshops, Meetings or Conference Sessions – as an icebreaker and to encourage cultural exchange, and team building
• Community Events and Festivals – it is an engaging game to open a conversation on biodiversity, and to foster an inclusive environment.

Materials and Budget Needed:

• This is a low budget method, you will only need to source materials (which can be as simple as paper and a pen).
• Cards or paper with the names (and optionally pictures) of the 'Who' characters. In the PLANET4B project, these were plants and animals, but they can be adapted to any theme, biodiversity-related or otherwise.
• A way to attach the cards to players' foreheads. In PLANET4B, ribbon and Velcro were used, but Post-it notes or simply asking players to hold the cards up can also work.
• A list of talking points for the discussion after the game – you can have a more organic approach, but if you want to guide the discussion these can assist.
• Ethical consent forms (if the method is being used as part of a research process).
  

Facilitation Skills:

• The game is simple to play but ensure you can explain the rules clearly and that all players understand before starting.
• Facilitators may also join in playing the game. One advantage of this is it offers  a more collective and open space. In the PLANET4B project, (social science) researchers were often no more knowledgeable than participants about certain species, highlighting the value of diverse experiences and knowledge-sharing.
• The post-game discussion benefits from fundamental facilitation skills – adopt active listening, offer inclusive and constructive discussion topics, and encouraging critical thinking.
• Discussions about biodiversity loss and environmental change can evoke anxiety and strong emotions. It is important to manage and acknowledge these responses within the method. Facilitators can support participants by suggesting small changes they can make or ways to advocate for biodiversity conscious decision-making. Additional advice on facilitating these conversations can be found at Education Reboot, Natural Resources Defence Council, and Force of Nature.
• Consider the suitability for your context – if there is limited time for the follow-up discussion this game might have limited impact, but remains valuable as an icebreaker.

In this video Lindy Binder explains why 'Who am I?' works effectively as an icebreaker and what participants can gain from playing: