Undercover Talents Worksheet
PROJECT TAKEOVER
UNDERCOVER TALENTS
ACTIVITY SHEET
The Rule: Draw a simple character representing you and one skill, quality, or strength you bring. Keep it symbolic and simple—it doesn't have to be a masterpiece. Do not write your name anywhere on this sheet.
[ AREA A: DRAW YOUR CHARACTER ]
TEAR OR CUT ALONG THIS LINE
[ AREA B: THE WRITTEN SKILL ]
Write down the exact skill, personality trait, interest, or quality you drew above. The facilitator will tear this tab off to verify the group's guesses during the game!
MY UNDERCOVER SKILL / TALENT IS:
Write clearly here...
Power Shift Facilitator Guide
FACILITATOR COMPANION
POWER SHIFT GUIDE
LESSON: PROJECT TAKEOVER PAGE 1 OF 2
OBJECTIVE Shift from passive players to active program designers
TOTAL TIME 45 Minutes
MATERIALS Undercover Talents Sheet, Scissors, Whiteboard
MINDSET FLOW Me ➔ Bring ➔ Have ➔ Missing ➔ Own
1
THE KICKOFF: ME ➔ WHAT I BRING (5 Mins)
Launch the session by posing a disruptive, real-talk question. Set a tone of curiosity and respect.
FACILITATOR SCRIPT:
"If adults weren't here to tell you exactly what this program should look like, what would you actually want it to be? Today isn't about adults telling you what to do. It's about you designing what you want to own."
2
THE DRAWING: SECRET WEAPONS (10 Mins)
Distribute the Undercover Talents Worksheet. Direct youth to look at the top section (Secret Agent Blueprint).
The Question: "If you were known for one thing, what would it be? It can be a skill, personality trait, interest, or something you're just really good at."
The Prompt: "Draw a character that represents you and one skill, quality, or strength you bring. Don't write your name. Keep it simple. It doesn't have to be artistic."
⏱️ TIMER: Set a hard 5–7 minute clock. 💡 TIP: Play upbeat, low-key music to lower anxiety.
3
THE SHOWCASE: REVELATION GAME (15 Mins)
Have students cut or tear off their bottom skill tab. Collect and shuffle the drawings. Keep the skill tabs nearby to verify!
STEP A
Hold up one drawing card at a time to the group.
STEP B
Prompt the group using the three questions.
STEP C
Owner reveals & claims the card.
FACILITATOR SCRIPT:
Group Questions:
1. "Who do you think this is?"
2. "What makes you think that?"
3. "What skill or quality do you think this person chose?"
Once guessed correctly, the owner claims it with:
➔ "Yep, that's mine. I chose [Talent] because [Reason]."
FACILITATOR COMPANION
POWER SHIFT GUIDE
LESSON: PROJECT TAKEOVER PAGE 2 OF 2
4
THE SHIFT: WHAT WE HAVE ➔ WHAT'S MISSING (10 Mins)
Transition the group's focus from individual strengths to collective power. Draw two columns on a whiteboard or flipchart and guide this discussion verbally.
COLUMN A: "WHAT WE HAVE"
Record all the strengths revealed during the guessing game on the board. Group them together visually.
"Look at this board. We have artists, planners, tech-heads, and public speakers. We have all the raw power we need already in this room."
COLUMN B: "WHAT WE'RE MISSING"
Ask the group what skills or perspectives are still missing to successfully run a youth-led program.
"If we're in charge, who else do we need to bring into this circle? What skills do we need to level up next?"
5
THE TAKEOVER: WHAT WE OWN (15 Mins)
This is the final, high-impact verbal transition. Move the youth from theoretical skills to real, tangible ownership of the program.
THE CO-DESIGN DISCUSSION PROMPT
"What would you actually want to take ownership of? If adults handed over full control of this program—the design, the social media, the planning, the space—what is one specific part you want to lead?"
🗣️ Group Discussion style 📢 Popcorn Share-Out on the Whiteboard
FACILITATION MASTERCLASS
Building Safety
If youth are hesitant to share, share a weird or mundane "undercover talent" of your own first. Normalize that skills aren't just academic (e.g., "I make an incredible playlist" or "I am a professional overthinker").
Handling Resistance
If they ask: "But will adults actually let us?" Be honest. "Yes, if we show them we have a plan and we know who is holding which piece. Today is how we build that plan."
DESIGNED FOR AGES 12-18 CO-DESIGN WORKSHOP SERIES • SESSION 1
