Learning Activities
Inclusion/Exclusion/Marginalization
This activity illustrates the meaning of these three terms by utilizing stories that can connect to students' experiences, as well as checklists of criteria that can be used to decide who tends to be in the "in" and "out" (or "marginalized") groups in different communities.
The "Elephant Story"
This activity uses the Hindu parable of blind people touching different parts of an elephant to illustrate the need to both be honest about one's own experiences and perspectives and to be open to the experiences and perspectives of others -- in order to discover a bigger, more complete and true picture of reality. Helpful tool for guiding students to think in "multiple perspectives", rather than in "either/or" kinds of ways; also helpful in cultivating an atmosphere of "dialogue/discussion" in a collective search for greater shared understanding, rather than a climate of "debate" in which people just seek to demonstrate that their point of view is the right one.
The "Hurricane Story"
This activity is designed to help students reflect on and share their thoughts, feelings, and questions about the overwhelming, complex nature of injustice and the limits of their own personal power -- in a way that can discover and cultivate a genuine sense of hope.
Seeds of Hope
This activity is constructed around a poem written by a member of the Palestinian community. Similar to the factors present in, and results possible from, the "Hurricane Story" activity.
Developing and Integrating the "Service" Dimension of Faith-Fromation Programming
This booklet covers the meaning of "Service," assessing students' starting poin t, weaving elements of service into various aspsects of faith-community programs, and a process to integrate learning-and-action.