Module: Unity Web

When thinking about ways to promote diversity and inclusion it’s important to consider that while we are all uniquely amazing, we also share more than we realize.

The idea of a unity web comes from a video on YouTube – “Unity, an Interactive Public Art Project, Celebrates Our Differences”. The unity web this group created took up a huge outside field area and included participation from an entire community. It’s not exactly something that would be easy to replicate at work. However, this module will provide a structure top create a unity web as a group activity on a smaller scale.

It is suggested that this activity take place in a room which will allow for groups to work together as a team.

You’ll need:

• Yarn
• Scissors
• A peg board (size depends on how many people participate)
• Peg board hooks
• Zip ties (they will help keep the hooks secure)
• Paper for identifiers

You can get lot of helpful tips and example identifiers at this UNITY website.

Building the peg board

The peg board should be able to stand freely on a table or can be attached to wall if you want it to be artwork in that room after the activity. It is best to have one what is at least 48″ x 32″ so you have room to create a wide enough circle around a central peg. Once you have the hooks in place, you can attach the identifiers. Refer to the photo shown here as an example. As people tie their yard around the hooks, it is likely that some of the hooks will start bending inward toward the center of the circle, this is where the zip ties come in handy.

Instructions for using the peg board

1. Get a ball of yarn and tie it around the center peg.
2. Stretch the yard out to wrap around a peg holding a statement you identify with and are comfortable sharing.
3. Repeat Step 2 until you have wrapped your yarn around all pegs you identify with.
4. Bring the yarn back to the center, tie it off, and cut the yarn.
5. Repeat all steps for each person participating in the activity.

Activity summary from the University of Delaware:
i-Three Issue Corps: Colorful yarn weaves a web of unity (eXtension.org link no longer active)

Discussion Questions

In many ways, unity is the key to effective teamwork. While each person brings unique assets to a team, being able to work together is what makes for the best outcomes.

1. What does unity mean to you? (For this question it is encouraged the facilitator supply each table with one sheet of poster paper and markers. Have the participants write their responses on the sheet of paper. They can then hold it up and share with the group, these papers can also be hung on the wall so everyone can see.)
2. What brings disunity? (These answer can be included on the same sheet of poster paper mentioned above or a separate sheet. Participants should answer as a team.)
3. How does your organization currently foster unity? Are there additional activities which might further encourage unity? (The facilitator can provide examples, participants can provide examples. If you’re not working with a talkative group, have them provide their ideas on note cards).