In a Unitarian Universalist congregation, voting on issues and sharing opinions are integral to membership. You may have been involved in serious discussions at your congregation about important issues of finances or ministerial leadership. Think about how discussions and voting take place in your congregation. Have you felt heard and respected, even when you do not agree with a majority? How can you teach the children to make room for every voice? If you have felt unheard in your congregation, how can you keep negative feelings from interfering with your leadership of this session? Would you like to be better able to hear others' opinions when you disagree? How can you do that?

Now reflect on the children and how they might respond to the story and the activities. How can you help them understand the importance of having a say about the things that concern them? Relax and make yourself ready to help the children love others and feel loved.