Making links

Making Links is a group activity about democracy, human rights, and civic responsibility in which players represent different actors in society, such as citizens, government, NGOs, and the media. The activity explores how these groups depend on one another to protect rights, support participation, and maintain a democratic society. Through discussion and negotiation, players build a visual “map” of the relationships, responsibilities, and expectations between the different actors.

Players are divided into groups representing different democratic actors and first discuss the main functions and responsibilities of their role in society. After presenting their ideas, the groups negotiate with one another by making demands and agreements about what support they need from the other actors to fulfil their responsibilities. When an agreement is accepted, players connect the groups with pieces of yarn to create a visual network showing cooperation and interdependence within a democratic society. At the end, the group reflects on the negotiations, responsibilities, and the importance of collaboration in protecting human rights and democracy.