Associative cards

Associative cards

Associative cards can be used in many ways, both with individuals and with groups of users. The creative use of the cards has no limits except for the boundaries of the facilitator’s imagination and the goal of a particular activity. They can be used to create a safe environment in which communication skills and the sharing of thoughts, ideas, and emotions with others can be practiced. They encourage communication, creativity, and imagination. By using them, we can reach the intuitive part of a person, which fosters a more authentic expression. Likewise, for some people who find it difficult to express themselves verbally, it will be easier to express themselves through associations.

This method helps establish contact and initiate conversation. Facilitators can gain insight into the needs of young people through the use of associations and projections. It is important that facilitators avoid interpreting the cards for the participant, as this could impose their own associations rather than allowing the participant’s perspective to emerge. It is always and exclusively about needs, associations, stories, metaphors, words, and sentences that the users themselves have offered.[1]

THEME

Expression of needs through associative cards

COMPLEXITY

Intermediate
Advanced

GROUP SIZE

10

participants

AGE

15+

TIME

60

min.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Introduction (10 min):  Young participants are informed that today they will explore their needs using associative cards:
    “Associative cards are a tool that can serve many purposes—such as expressing ideas, opinions, or emotions. Today, we will use them to help you reflect on and share some of your personal needs.”
  2. Visualisation and Associative Cards (10 min): Before the main activity, guide participants through a short visualization to help them connect with their needs:
    “Sit comfortably. Feel the ground beneath your feet. Notice the points of contact between your body and the chair or floor. Feel your body. Slowly scan your body from your feet up to the top of your head.
    If you notice any tension, try to gently release it, or breathe more deeply into that area.
    Now, think about what you need from this workshop. What would you like to learn? What new skills would you like to gain? What kind of atmosphere would you like to experience in the group?
    Bring your attention back to your breath, and take a few slow, deep breaths in and out.”
    Instructions for the exercise:
    Ask participants to choose a card that represents a need they have, or that reminds them of something from the visualization. Encourage them to take their time looking through the cards, but to choose the one that draws them in rather than overthinking.
  3. Reflection on cards (30 min): Participants sit in a circle and reflect on the card they selected. Each person is invited to share their thoughts, but their privacy is respected—If someone does not wish to share their reflection with the group, they can write it down and hand it to the facilitator. It is essential to respect each person’s creativity and interpretation. It is not allowed to correct someone’s association or suggest that their interpretation is “wrong.” Each person’s experience is valid.
  4. Reflection and evaluation (10 min): The following questions can be asked:
    • What did you like about this activity?
    • Is there something you didn’t like and you’d like to change?
    • How did you feel during the exercises?
    • How do you feel now after the exercises?
    • Did you learn something new about yourself?

Tips for Facilitators:

  • Every interpretation of a card is valid and meaningful for the person who chose it.
  • Support a safe and inclusive space where participants feel comfortable expressing themselves.
  • Allow enough time for each participant to reflect on their needs before sharing.
  • Let the group know in advance that each person will have a few minutes to speak, to ensure everyone has time to express themselves.

Variations and adjustments:

  • If participants speak different languages, consider using translation tools, visual instructions, or peer support.
  • Some participants might find it difficult to openly express needs or emotions, it may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable due to cultural norms. Offer alternatives to sharing aloud: in writing or drawing.
  • If working remotely, use digital associative cards (available in apps or online platforms) and a video conferencing tool.
  • Participants can keep the card they chose and write a personal letter or journal entry based on it later, deepening the reflection process.

Disclaimer:

  • This activity should be used by youth workers or facilitators who know how to create a safe and friendly space for everyone.

[1] (15) Kusturin, S. and Rosandić, A. (2005) Kako kontaktirati. Udruga Igra.

Needs analysis activities

Contact

Iuliana Adriana PAVEL (project manager)

iuliana.pavel@a4action.ro
A4ACTION – Antim Ivireanu Culture House, Islaz Alley, Ghermănești, Snagov, Ilfov District, Romania, 077170


Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the ANPCDEFP. Neither the European Union nor the ANPCDEFP can be held responsible for them.


The project is conducted by the following organisations: A4ACTION (Romania) – coordinator, Udruga Delta (Croatia), InterAktion (Austria), Asociación Espacio Rojo (Spain) and GAIA Museum Outsider Art (Denmark).


Walkshop

Walkshop

A walkshop is a combination of a walk and a workshop, which can be used as an educational and collaborative method held outdoors, in urban or natural settings. It integrates physical activity with focused intellectual engagement to foster new perspectives and encourage deeper understanding of a topic. The participants discuss the topic while physically moving along a predefined route.
Participants are given a map of the area and a task related to the topic. They have enough time to walk to and through the designated area while thinking together in smaller groups about the task. After the walk, they create together a “fantasy map” of the area they explored through the given task and present it to the other participants. A facilitated discussion is held after each map presentation.

THEME

Personal, group or community needs

COMPLEXITY

Intermediate
Advanced

GROUP SIZE

15-20

participants

AGE

15+

TIME

180

min.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  • Introduction (15 min): Explain the activity to the participants and hand out the maps and tasks, dividing the participants into smaller groups of 4-5 people.
    Each group gets a different topic/task and a different area to explore, which is marked on the map. The topics and tasks can be anything important and relevant to your context. For instance, one group’s destination is the neighbourhood in which you are located and the topic is inclusion. By walking the area, they should observe the surroundings though the task and topic, which are explained on a handout paper or sent via a digital platform. Be sure the topic and task are explained clearly and provide some questions to help the group immerse into the topic:

    • Exploring inclusion in our neighbourhood
      Today, you will explore your neighbourhood through the lenses of inclusion.
      Inclusion, as best defined, means that the members of an environment or society feel that they are valued, respected, and included regardless of their background or identity. They have the same opportunities as others, and they are not overlooked or excluded. Think about what inclusion means to you. Observe the surrounding through your route considering the following questions:

      • How does this neighbourhood enhance the inclusion of different people?
      • Do you feel included in this surrounding?
      • Imagine you are a person moving with a wheelchair or not speaking the local language. Which elements can you observe that support or fail to support your feeling of inclusion?
      • What would need to change in this neighborhood in order to create a more inclusive and pleasant environment that celebrates diversity?
      • How can we support the idea of inclusion in our daily life?

      Fantasy map creation
      When you return to the working space, you will create an inclusion fantasy map (a map of your neighbourhood) that illustrates your observations and answers to the questions. Design your map to show how this environment could be improved to support the inclusion of different people.  Illustrate what you saw already existing in the area and how you imagine it to be with the proposed improvements.

  • Exploring the local community (60 min): Participants go for a walk through the designated area and route, exploring together the given topic and task. They can take notes, photos or just verbally answer the questions and talk about their observations and ideas.
  • Creating the fantasy maps (60 min): Participants return to the working space and are given enough time to design the area they’ve explored as a fantasy map. They use a bigger piece of paper (A1, A2 or A3 sizes) and use different drawing materials (pens, colours, collage, even something they’ve collected while walking) to illustrate their observations.
  • Presentation and reflection (45 min): Each group presents their fantasy map and explains their observations. Others are encouraged to reflect on and respond to what is shared, fostering discussion and deeper understanding.
    After all the groups presented their maps, an overall reflection can be conducted with the following questions:

    • What did you enjoy about this activity?
    • How was the walk – was it pleasant, hard, insightful…?
    • How did the task help you see the area with a fresh perspective?
    • Did you learn something new about yourself, others and your community?

If time allows and there is interest, the group may explore potential next steps to address specific problems and needs identified through the maps.

Tips for Facilitators:

  • Adapt the topics and tasks to your context and your target group.
  • If time allows, you can start by a brief discussion about the topic before the walk.
  • You can remind the participants to take into account several elements during the walk, like the condition of the walking path, accessibility, aesthetics, safety, microclimate, human scale, the presence of public services and places for social interaction and rest.
  • Make sure the space allows for open discussion and participants feel safe to share their thoughts.

Variations and adjustments:

  • If you conduct the activity in a small town or village, the groups can have the same designated area with a different topic/task.
  • If there is interest, the maps created can be turned into a local community exhibition to raise awareness about a specific issue.

Disclaimer:

  • Take into account the weather conditions. Make sure the participants move in a safe way through the neighbourhood, reminding them to be aware of traffic and careful about dangerous places.

Needs analysis activities

Contact

Iuliana Adriana PAVEL (project manager)

iuliana.pavel@a4action.ro
A4ACTION – Antim Ivireanu Culture House, Islaz Alley, Ghermănești, Snagov, Ilfov District, Romania, 077170


Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the ANPCDEFP. Neither the European Union nor the ANPCDEFP can be held responsible for them.


The project is conducted by the following organisations: A4ACTION (Romania) – coordinator, Udruga Delta (Croatia), InterAktion (Austria), Asociación Espacio Rojo (Spain) and GAIA Museum Outsider Art (Denmark).


Photovoice

Photovoice

This method provides participants an opportunity to create photographs as visual representations of personal or community concerns and needs. Presenting the photos and their meaning in group discussion empowers them to reflect on personal and community strengths, create critical dialogue, share knowledge about personal and community issues.

Participants are provided cameras (or they can use mobile or smart phones) to take photos which enables them to record and reflect their needs and concerns through photographic images. Photo discussion allows participants to share and discuss the photos they took for each photo assignment and promote critical dialogue about personal or community strengths, concerns and needs. Participants present their photos during a facilitated discussion.[1]

THEME

Personal and community needs

COMPLEXITY

Intermediate
Advanced

GROUP SIZE

15

participants

AGE

15+

TIME

120

min.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Introduction (15 min): To begin, guide participants through a short visualization related to the needs being explored.
    For example: “Sit comfortably. If you feel comfortable, close your eyes. Focus on your breathing. Notice how the air enters and leaves your body—just observe the breath.
    Now, I invite you to imagine a neighborhood you would love to live in—your ideal neighborhood. Imagine walking through it. Observe what’s happening around you. What sounds do you hear? What smells can you notice? What do you see?
    What are the people like in this neighborhood? What are they doing? How do they feel?
    Now pause for a moment and notice how you feel in this neighborhood.
    I invite you to gently say goodbye to your ideal neighborhood and return your focus to your breath. When you’re ready, open your eyes.”

    • After the visualization, invite participants to individually think about:
      • How does your ideal neighborhood compare to the one you currently live in?
      • What are the similarities and differences?
      • What would need to change for your current neighborhood to be a better place to live?
      • What are some problems or unmet needs in the community that should be addressed?

      Their task is to go outside—whether it’s the main street, a town square, near the school, or any other area (there are no specific boundaries)—and take photographs that capture specific problems or needs experienced by the local community, especially those affecting young people.

      Each participant selects one to three photos (depending on the time designated for the discussion and/or the number of participants) they would like to present to the group and sends them to the facilitator.

  2. Taking photos in a local community (45 min): Participants go into the community to take photos on the given topic and send their selected photo(s) to the facilitator. The facilitator uploads the photos to an online platform (e.g., Padlet) and labels each photo with the name of the author. Each participant is expected to send one to three photos to the facilitator or post them directly on the platform.
  3. Reflection and commenting on photos (45 min): Participants whose photos are shown share their associations and interpretations of the image.
    Others are encouraged to reflect on and respond to what is shared, fostering discussion and deeper understanding.

    • If time allows and there is interest, the group may explore potential next steps to address specific problems identified in the photos.
  4. Reflection and evaluation (15 min): The following questions can be asked:
    • What did you enjoy about this activity?
    • Was there anything you didn’t enjoy or would like to see done differently?
    • How did you feel during the exercises?
    • Did you learn something new about yourself, others and your community?

Tips for Facilitators:

  • When projecting photos for the group, it’s best to show one photo at a time to ensure everyone knows which image is being discussed.
  • Remind the participants about how they can use a scene they photograph in a literal way or as a metaphor.
  • Make sure the space allows for open discussion and participants feel safe to share their thoughts.

Variations and adjustments:

  • This activity can also be carried out over a longer period of time, allowing young people to collect photographs over several days — for example, objects from their personal lives or their journey to school.
  • If there is interest, the collected photos can be turned into a local community exhibition to raise awareness about a specific issue.

Disclaimer:

  • It is important to keep in mind that permission is required if people in the local community  are photographed in a close-up frame.
    Make sure the participants move in a safe way through the neighbourhood, reminding them to be aware of traffic and careful about dangerous places.

[1] (14) Hergenrather, K., Rhodes, S. and Pula, S. (2009). Photovoice as Community-Based Participatory Research: A  Qualitative Review. American Journal of Health Behaviour.

Needs analysis activities

Contact

Iuliana Adriana PAVEL (project manager)

iuliana.pavel@a4action.ro
A4ACTION – Antim Ivireanu Culture House, Islaz Alley, Ghermănești, Snagov, Ilfov District, Romania, 077170


Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the ANPCDEFP. Neither the European Union nor the ANPCDEFP can be held responsible for them.


The project is conducted by the following organisations: A4ACTION (Romania) – coordinator, Udruga Delta (Croatia), InterAktion (Austria), Asociación Espacio Rojo (Spain) and GAIA Museum Outsider Art (Denmark).


Needs Barometer

Needs Barometer

The  Barometer of Needs is a method that uses movement, physical positioning in space, and group discussion to encourage the expression of opinions, attitudes, and needs—while also promoting respect for differing perspectives. It supports group dialogue that can lead to new insights and points of view.

THEME

Discussion about needs

COMPLEXITY

Intermediate
Advanced

GROUP SIZE

15-20

participants

AGE

15+

TIME

45

min.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Introduction (10 min): The session begins with a short energizer to help create a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere.
    The facilitator explains the rules of the activity: “When you hear a statement, take a moment to reflect on how much you agree or disagree with it. Then, position yourself in the room according to your opinion:
    • One side of the room represents ‘I agree,’
    • The opposite side represents ‘I disagree,’
    • The middle represents ‘Neither agree nor disagree.’”*
      Participants are reminded that everyone has the right to express their opinion without offending others and that all viewpoints should be respected.
  1. Needs Barometer (20 min): The facilitator prepares a series of thought-provoking statements in advance to spark reflection and discussion among young people. Examples include:
    • Education is equally accessible to everyone.
    • Everyone in our city has the same opportunities for a good quality of life.
    • I believe anyone can advance in their career if they work hard enough.

After choosing their position in the room, participants are encouraged to share why they chose that spot. Open discussion between participants is facilitated, allowing for different perspectives to emerge and be explored.

  1. Reflection and evaluation (15 minutes):  The session ends with a group reflection. Suggested guiding questions include:
    • What did you enjoy about this activity?
    • Was there anything you didn’t like or would want to change?
    • How did you feel during the exercise?
    • Did you learn anything new about yourself, others, or your community?

Tips for Facilitators:

  • It is important to ensure that the space allows participants to move around freely.
  • Place a sign reading “I agree” on one side of the room and “I disagree” on the other to help participants engage more easily in the activity.
  • At the beginning, it’s essential to build group cohesion so participants feel safe and comfortable engaging in discussion.
  • Prepare statements that are relevant, reflective, and likely to spark discussion. Choose wording that encourages participants to explore and understand different perspectives.

Variations and adjustments:

  • Depending on the participants, the activity may involve a simple expression of needs through spatial positioning.
  • The facilitator can also guide the group towards a deeper discussion, in order to gain richer insights and a more comprehensive understanding of the topic.

Disclaimer:

  • At the beginning of the activity, clearly state that this is a safe and respectful space where everyone can express their needs and opinions. Remind participants of the zero-tolerance policy for hate speech, ensuring that mutual respect is maintained throughout the session.

Needs analysis activities

Contact

Iuliana Adriana PAVEL (project manager)

iuliana.pavel@a4action.ro
A4ACTION – Antim Ivireanu Culture House, Islaz Alley, Ghermănești, Snagov, Ilfov District, Romania, 077170


Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the ANPCDEFP. Neither the European Union nor the ANPCDEFP can be held responsible for them.


The project is conducted by the following organisations: A4ACTION (Romania) – coordinator, Udruga Delta (Croatia), InterAktion (Austria), Asociación Espacio Rojo (Spain) and GAIA Museum Outsider Art (Denmark).


World café

World café

This methodology is a simple and flexible format for hosting large group dialogue, and it can be modified to meet a wide variety of needs. Specific context, numbers, purpose, location and other circumstances are factored into the organisation. The discussion in small groups allows each participant to have his or her opinion heard. Also, the facilitator leads and adapts the discussion to the specifics of the group.

THEME

Conversation about needs in small groups

COMPLEXITY

Intermediate
Advanced

GROUP SIZE

30-50

participants

AGE

15+

TIME

95-120

min.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Welcome and introduction: The host begins with a warm welcome and a short energizer activity. Then, they explain the goals and structure of the session:
    “Today, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss various topics (your needs) in small groups. Each group will have a facilitator to guide the conversation. Please share what you feel comfortable with and respect what others have to say.”
    The host also introduces the facilitators at each table and clarifies their role. Participants are then divided into small groups. This group division can be gamified to help participants relax and foster group cohesion.
  2. Small-Group Rounds: The space is pre-arranged with tables spread out across the room. Each table will be dedicated to a specific topic (e.g. education, employment, housing) or to one main topic approached from different angles (e.g. feelings, frustrations, experiences, new ideas related to a particular issue).
    Each table has a designated facilitator who leads the discussion and asks guiding questions. Facilitators should prepare in advance with a set of questions and, if necessary, do some background research on the topic.
    Groups rotate between tables, spending around 15 to 20 minutes at each, depending on group size. Facilitators ask open-ended questions that encourage participants to express their needs and opinions. They actively listen, reflect back, and paraphrase to ensure understanding. Notes are taken throughout and will be shared during the final part of the activity.
    Each table also has paper available for participants to write, illustrate, or draw—whichever form of expression feels most natural to them.
  3. Harvest: Facilitators are invited to share insights or other results from the conversations with the rest of the large group.[1] Participants are encouraged to respond with reflections, additions, or comments to enrich the shared conclusions.
  4. Reflection and evaluation: Evaluation is conducted using a digital tool (e.g. Mentimeter). Questions are prepared in advance, such as:
    • How did you feel during today’s activity?
    • Did you learn something new or gain a new perspective?
    • What stood out to you the most from this activity?
    • What would you have liked to be different?

Responses are submitted anonymously and projected for group reflection and discussion.

Tips for Facilitators:

  • When setting up the space, make sure there’s enough distance between tables to allow for undisturbed conversations.
  • When selecting facilitators, it’s helpful to choose individuals who are familiar with the topic and who have strong communication skills, especially for working with young people.

Variations and adjustments:

  • If the group is small, participants can rotate through all the tables.
  • For larger groups, the number of tables (or discussion rounds) can be limited, and participants can choose which topics they’re most interested in.

Disclaimer:

  • For large groups, provide a microphone and reliable sound equipment to ensure that all participants can hear clearly.

[1] The World Café Community Foundation. World Café Method. Retrived April 2025. https://theworldcafe.com/key-concepts-resources/world-cafe-method/.

Needs analysis activities

Contact

Iuliana Adriana PAVEL (project manager)

iuliana.pavel@a4action.ro
A4ACTION – Antim Ivireanu Culture House, Islaz Alley, Ghermănești, Snagov, Ilfov District, Romania, 077170


Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the ANPCDEFP. Neither the European Union nor the ANPCDEFP can be held responsible for them.


The project is conducted by the following organisations: A4ACTION (Romania) – coordinator, Udruga Delta (Croatia), InterAktion (Austria), Asociación Espacio Rojo (Spain) and GAIA Museum Outsider Art (Denmark).


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