Faith CoLab: Tapestry of Faith: What We Choose: An Adult Program on Ethics for Unitarian Universalists

Activity 4: Relational Ethics at Hull House

Part of What We Choose

Activity time: 15 minutes

Materials for Activity

Preparation for Activity

  • Read the story "Jane Addams" and prepare to present it, or invite a participant to present the story and give them a copy in advance.
  • Write on newsprint, and post:
    • "We have learned to say that the good must be extended to all of society before it can be held secure by any one person or class; but we have not yet learned . . . that unless all men [sic] and all classes contribute to a good, we cannot even be sure that it is worth having." - Jane Addams, 1907
    • How do Jane Addams' life and work reflect an ethic based in relationship and compassion?
    • What examples can you think of, in your own life and in your community, where being in deeper relationship might make a difference in your ethical and moral decision making?
    • In what ways are Addams' ethical and ethical commitments similar to the commitments in our Unitarian Universalist Principles?

Description of Activity

Present the story, "Jane Addams."

Call attention to the posted quote, from Addams's book Democracy and Social Ethic, and lead a discussion using the posted questions.

Including All Participants

Create a large-print handout that includes the discussion questions to assist those who are visually impaired.