The “exchange of clothes-day” was one of the mingling experiences organised by Integrationslyftet. The ideas for the exchange of clothes are multiple. Firstly, it has positive aspects for the climate as we all know the industry of clothes creates a lot carbohydrate emissions. Secondly, it is a good opportunity to meet other people in a fun activity. Moreover, it is economically good since everyone can have something new for them, for free.
In our case, a lot of people came with clothes which they don’t use or seldom use. Everyone put their clothes in the room whereby people started to exchange clothes with each other
The aim of the best practice was firstly to create a mingling where locals and TCN:s could meet and get to know each other through a fun activity.
The objectives were to have a day when people come and exchange their clothes and at the same create contacts between locals and TCN:s. As mentioned, the activity has further positive effects for the climate and for the wallet.
Main actors were both locals and TCN:s and also staff from Integrationslyftet who organised everything.
Min: 2, max: 20
The number of participants is flexible. You could do it with only two people. However, preferably some more people can join and it can be done at a bigger scale, perhaps up to 20 people..
2-4 hours is a recommended duration for the activity. If you prepare for coffee and there is space for mingling, the activity could continue even longer.
One resource is firstly a facility with space enough for everyone. Secondly, everyone is contributing by bringing clothes they want to exchange from their own closet. Moreover, one or two people will need to organise the process of exchanging.
The strength is that the activity is very appreciated, since everyone gain from it. It also creates a nice atmosphere for people to mingel and talk. For the TCN:s it also means a good opportunity to practice their Swedish.
Weakness for this activity is hard to find, it is for free, everyone can join and get something, it is even good for the climate.
Organise for some coffee or snacks, and the mingling will be even more successful.