December: The Power of Laughter

Sexual Health, albeit important, is not the easiest thing to talk about. Especially with a room full people who don’t know each other, aren't familiar you, and come from a culture that historically doesn't talk very openly about this subject. This made our health outreach team more than a little apprehensive about giving the presentation that the Mexican Consulate staff specifically asked us to give on Sexual Health around the holidays. We were very mindful about the how we presented this information and trying to create a light hearted and open environment so that people would be comfortable and receptive to the information we presented.

We started with an ice breaker: We handed out cups filled with little pieces of paper - mostly white, but a few cups were full of yellow, red, or orange paper - and had everyone stand up. The group was asked to talk with at least three other people and ask a simple question: "What's your name?" "Where are you from?" "How long did you have to travel to get to the consulate today?" As each questions was asked, the pair exchanged a bit of paper from each of their cups. The outreach team participated to try and break down the barriers between the three "Gringas" presenting and the other participants. Once we explained that this was a model of the transmission of sexually transmitted infections, the room erupted with laughter and pointing of fingers, a few red faces, and a lot of surprise - mostly for us who were not expecting the metaphor to be so well received. We asked how people felt who had started with only white paper and then by the end had a mixture of colors - indicating they had received an STI, as well as those who had started with colored paper (STIs) and didn't know they'd had an infection. The participants openly talked about their feelings of dissapointment and being tricked.

After allowing everyone to laugh and relax, the group was primed to pay attention to the information we had to offer. When our presentations were done and the team was packing up, the consulate staff said they'd never heard so much laughter and participation during a presentation about STIs. Our team really had a way with breaking down barriers and helping people be involved in the learning and teaching process. This was not only a testament to our enthusiasm as presenters, but to the people we are presenting to. They key is being able to connect. Something about our outgoing demeanor and smiling faces made the participants more comfortable. Taking any opportunity to make them laugh and let them breath a little easier made them much more receptive to the information we had to offer, and hopefully made them think seriously about their personal sexual health. Healthier individuals make a healthier community, and a little laughter can go a long way in helping that happen.