Tapestry of Faith: Sing to the Power: A Social Justice Program for Children Grades 4-5

Taking It Home: The Power to Shine

It is not light that we need, but fire; it is not the gentle shower, but thunder. We need the storm, the whirlwind, and the earthquake. — Frederick Douglass

IN TODAY'S SESSION... the children heard a true story of two boys who responded to a younger boy being bullied for wearing a pink shirt by organizing all the students in the school to wear pink, as an expression of support. We talked about how the power of fire is the power of direct action, showing others your beliefs, and of saying "no" to injustice. The group acted out scenarios of children being bullied, and discussed ways they could respond with "the power of fire" in similar situations. We made book covers with anti-bullying messages, to get the word out at school that everyone can prevent bullying.

EXPLORE THE TOPIC TOGETHER. How have members of your family turned the power of fire on injustice? Has anyone stepped in when they saw another person being treated unfairly? Expressed their distaste for a racist or sexist joke? Joined in action to protest a war or the actions of an unethical corporation?

FAMILY GAME. Your family might try role-playing so everyone can experience ways to respond to bullies. Have two family members improvise a scene in which one person is the bully and the other is being bullied. Have others play the role of bystanders, and practice ways to interrupt or defuse the bullying. Or, have one person play the bully and have another family member, as the person being bullied, figure out ways to try to stop the bullying. They may use other family members to role-play other people they might turn to, such as friends or teachers.

FAMILY ADVENTURE. As a family, participate in a protest march or vigil, or write a letter to your local paper about an issue that your feel strongly about and hope to change. Talk about how you are letting the power of fire "shine!"