ToolsXChange: Day 1 of 5!

We opened the day meeting each other through ice-breaking activities, learning our names and introducing ourselves. Then we organized the umbrella teams: the groups we will be working with throughout the training. In total, we formed four teams: Sunflower, Explorers, Great Grape Group, and Aha.

After that, we had our first conversation about what it means to be a changemaker and what each of us can be as changemakers. We shared names, examples, and ideas, and explored key characteristics and attributes through personal stories. Some of the qualities that emerged were being an activist, a good listener, empathetic, a networker, passionate, inspiring, and good at communication. We also reflected on the importance of self-reflection, confidence, being open-minded, empowered, curious, and benevolent.

During the coffee break, we had sweet treats from Slovenia!

We closed the day with our first reflection: “Making an impact on just one person is enough. If you impact one person, the work is already meaningful.” We reflected on the importance of listening to others’ needs, staying open-minded, practicing self-reflection, creating the conditions for change, and being proactive — not just thinking about change, but taking action.