We believe that playfulness, connection and fun can empower groups and communities to pursue their dreams while addressing collective issues. Inspired by game methodologies we aim to touch on the power of dreaming and working together.
What is it?
The Oasis Game is a social methodology that involves players and communities, bringing together people from many different areas of society such as NGOs, local government, nearby businesses and the community itself. It was conceived to be applied at no cost and in a fully cooperative way so that, together, all participants can accomplish a common goal. The design of the Oasis Game strives to allow all players to be winners, without exception.
History of the game
The methodology behind Oasis was developed by the Instituto Elos in Brazil. It stems from a project done by some architecture students. The students had to renovate a museum, but the budget was not enough to build the museum of their dreams. However, the students refused to give up and started to engage people in their community in order to make their dream come true. Upon hearing about their success stories, others invited the students to work with the same methodology in their neighborhoods with great results. That is how the Oasis Institute and Methodology was born. Since then the basic methodology has spread around the world as new way to make change locally. Below you find some examples of Oasis that were organized around the world.
What are the goals and outcomes?
Oasis creates a place for hope: As the game ends, beyond the physical transformation of the space, some common results are: bring people in the community closer together, restore their hope, empower and awaken individual and community social entrepreneurship.
Through the game, participants connect and explore the local beauty and people’s aspirations, in order to finally dive head on and build something together. The object of the game is to create something tangible that the community needs, so participants can experience and celebrate the results of their efforts.
How does it work?
Step 1: Form a core team
The only rule for the core team is that is has to include people interested in not only experiencing, but designing and leading the game. For this Oasis Game, we currently have a core team comprised of BTH students and we are reaching out to local community members to join us. If you are interested, please contact us as soon as possible. We'd love you have you on the team!
Step 2: Find a community or a space to play the game
We are currently looking for a community space to host the Oasis game where something beautiful can be created. There are no restrictions of size or type. The game can be played in communities, schools and even within companies.
Step 3: Set a date for the game
This is largely dependent on the hosting site's schedule, and we are hoping to play the Oasis Game before June 2015.
Step 4: Invite and mobilize community and other participants
Everyone is welcome to participate in this amazing game! The more variety we have of talent, skills, backgrounds, and brilliance, the more successful we will be in creating something and the more friends we will make!
Step 5: Play the game
Normally the games lasts from 3 to 5 days (to be defined before hand) and run all day long. It begins with team-building and connecting to the site and community, pro-typing a project, and building.
Step 6: Celebrate!
No project is complete without an opportunity to reflect on the experience and celebrate our hard work and fond memories.
Previous Oasis Games
Below are videos capturing the process and success of previous Oasis Games from around the world!
Oasis Game Great Britain 2012 - By Lush Cosmetics
Oasis Holland 2010
Oasis Game India 2010
Oasis Santa Catarina 2009 - Part 1 Part 2
What is it?
The Oasis Game is a social methodology that involves players and communities, bringing together people from many different areas of society such as NGOs, local government, nearby businesses and the community itself. It was conceived to be applied at no cost and in a fully cooperative way so that, together, all participants can accomplish a common goal. The design of the Oasis Game strives to allow all players to be winners, without exception.
History of the game
The methodology behind Oasis was developed by the Instituto Elos in Brazil. It stems from a project done by some architecture students. The students had to renovate a museum, but the budget was not enough to build the museum of their dreams. However, the students refused to give up and started to engage people in their community in order to make their dream come true. Upon hearing about their success stories, others invited the students to work with the same methodology in their neighborhoods with great results. That is how the Oasis Institute and Methodology was born. Since then the basic methodology has spread around the world as new way to make change locally. Below you find some examples of Oasis that were organized around the world.
What are the goals and outcomes?
Oasis creates a place for hope: As the game ends, beyond the physical transformation of the space, some common results are: bring people in the community closer together, restore their hope, empower and awaken individual and community social entrepreneurship.
Through the game, participants connect and explore the local beauty and people’s aspirations, in order to finally dive head on and build something together. The object of the game is to create something tangible that the community needs, so participants can experience and celebrate the results of their efforts.
How does it work?
Step 1: Form a core team
The only rule for the core team is that is has to include people interested in not only experiencing, but designing and leading the game. For this Oasis Game, we currently have a core team comprised of BTH students and we are reaching out to local community members to join us. If you are interested, please contact us as soon as possible. We'd love you have you on the team!
Step 2: Find a community or a space to play the game
We are currently looking for a community space to host the Oasis game where something beautiful can be created. There are no restrictions of size or type. The game can be played in communities, schools and even within companies.
Step 3: Set a date for the game
This is largely dependent on the hosting site's schedule, and we are hoping to play the Oasis Game before June 2015.
Step 4: Invite and mobilize community and other participants
Everyone is welcome to participate in this amazing game! The more variety we have of talent, skills, backgrounds, and brilliance, the more successful we will be in creating something and the more friends we will make!
Step 5: Play the game
Normally the games lasts from 3 to 5 days (to be defined before hand) and run all day long. It begins with team-building and connecting to the site and community, pro-typing a project, and building.
Step 6: Celebrate!
No project is complete without an opportunity to reflect on the experience and celebrate our hard work and fond memories.
Previous Oasis Games
Below are videos capturing the process and success of previous Oasis Games from around the world!
Oasis Game Great Britain 2012 - By Lush Cosmetics
Oasis Holland 2010
Oasis Game India 2010
Oasis Santa Catarina 2009 - Part 1 Part 2