Tapestry of Faith: Heeding the Call: A Program on Justicemaking for Junior High School Youth

Taking It Home: The Call for Joy

The sharing of joy, whether physical, emotional, psychic, or intellectual, forms a bridge between the sharers which can be the basis for understanding much of what is not shared between them, and lessens the threat of their difference. — Audre Lorde

In Today's Workshop...

We explored the importance of joy and laughter and play in healing and nurturing our world. After all, how can there be justice if the children are not laughing? We learned about Sarah Foster, a lifelong Unitarian Universalist and a professional clown who has performed for children in Haiti, Swaziland, and South Africa. We worked together to create a joyful mural and talked about the health benefits of laughter. We discussed whether we considered the right to joy, happiness, and laughter a human right and basic need.

Joy

  • Had you ever thought of the importance of joy in creating justice? Share with your family the images that you remember from Sarah's journal.
  • Do you know Beethoven's Ode to Joy? It is a famous piece of music. Want to see this majestic classical selection performed by the Muppets? Check it out on YouTube's Ode to Joy.

Laughter

  • Start a family tradition of sharing one funny story or joke over dinner every night. What about starting a weekly game night potluck with family and friends? Every week different people bring different games to play. To move it to another sphere, sponsor a game night or a funny movie night at the congregation. Remember the importance of being an ambassador for joy, laughter and play. We can all be that kind of ambassador.
  • January 24 is Global Belly Laugh Day. Check out this website for activities to get you laughing.
  • Several years ago, scientists in Great Britain conducted experiments in what we find funny. They came up with interesting results, including the fact that the funniest jokes are 103 words long. Read the full story on the website of CNN.

Justicemakers Guide

  • Remember to use the guide to note experiences you have this week with justice or injustice. What did you see? Were you able to help? If not this time, will you be able to help in the future? How will you enable yourself to be ready to help in the future? Do you need the help of others?