Workshop 5: The Call for Courage

Beautiful orange sunset over a deep blue ocean. — Tapestry is Sunsetting

The UUA is no longer updating Tapestry of Faith programs.

Part of Heeding the Call, Jr. High Ages 12-15: Qualities Of A Justice Maker

In This Section

Introduction
From Heeding the Call

One isn’t necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous or honest. — Maya Angelou In this workshop, youth consider the role of courage in creating justice. They…
Workshop-at-a-Glance
From Heeding the Call

Activity Minutes Opening 5 Activity 1: Is This Acting With Courage? 10 Activity 2: Story — Life of an Ally 10 Activity 3: Opposing Oppression 15 Activity 4: Dealing with Fear 15 Faith in Action: Allies, Phase 1 Closing 5 Alternate Activity 1: Heritage Festival 30…
Spiritual Preparation
From Heeding the Call

Think back to a time when you decided to take a stand about something that matters to you deeply. Were you afraid? If so, how did you work with your fear? Did you acknowledge it, suppress it, express it? How do you think this informed your choice to act? Courage means different things within…
Opening
From Heeding the Call

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice, candle, lighter or LED/battery-operated candle Newsprint, markers and tape Preparation for Activity Write the chalice lighting words on newsprint and post. Description of Activity Gather youth in a circle. Welcome first-time participants….
Activity 1: Is This Acting With Courage?
From Heeding the Call

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Leader Resource 1, Is This Acting With Courage? Preparation for Activity Print Leader Resource 1, Is This Acting With Courage? and cut scenarios apart. Description of Activity Youth explore courage in seemingly small acts….
Activity 2: Story - Life of an Ally
From Heeding the Call

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Copy of the story “Life of an Ally” Preparation for Activity Read the story until you are comfortable presenting it. Optional: Make copies of the story for youth to share and read along. Description of Activity Youth hear a story about Juliette…
Activity 3: Opposing Oppression
From Heeding the Call

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Option 1: Handout 1, Oppression Continuum Option 2: Electronic copy of Justicemakers Guide, computer, large monitor or projector and screen Preparation for Activity If you are using the Justicemakers Guide online, prepare to project the Oppression…
Activity 4: Dealing with Fear
From Heeding the Call

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Justicemakers Guide from Workshop 1 Slips of paper and pencils Basket Description of Activity Youth explore fears and ways to approach their fears with courage. Invite participants to find a comfortable place in the room….
Closing
From Heeding the Call

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Copies of Taking It Home for all participants Description of Activity Invite youth to stand in a circle and name someone they think has acted with courage. Thank first-time participants for their contributions to the group. Pass out Taking It Home….
Leader Reflection and Planning
From Heeding the Call

Discuss with your co-leader what went well in today’s workshop. Discuss what you would do differently in the future. What left you feeling hopeful as a religious educator after this workshop? What did you learn from the youth? Do you think you helped youth feel courageous? Decision-making is…
Faith In Action: Allies, Phase 1
From Heeding the Call

Materials for Activity Handout 1, Oppression Continuum, or projected Justicemakers Guide Handout 2, Ally Action 1 Pens or pencils Optional: Computer and large monitor or projector and screen Preparation for Activity If you are using the Justicemakers Guide electronically, test your equipment.
Alternate Activity 1: Heritage Festival
From Heeding the Call

Activity time: 30 minutes Materials for Activity Heritage items brought from home. Workshop leaders should bring items, too Preparation for Activity At least one week before this workshop, ask youth to bring an item that is part of their ethnic or racial heritage….
Taking It Home: The Call for Courage
From Heeding the Call

…
Life of an Ally
From Heeding the Call

Juliette Hampton Morgan was the only child of Frank and Lila Morgan of Montgomery, Alabama. Her white skin and family pedigree gave her entrance to the finest shops, restaurants, galleries and concert halls. For much of Juliette’s life, her privilege meant someone else did her laundry, cooked her…
Handout 1: Oppression Continuum
From Heeding the Call

Printing This Handout Download a high-resolution copy of this Handout (PDF) for printing.
Handout 2: Ally Action 1
From Heeding the Call

I want to be an ally to _____________________________________________. Step 1: Date What action do you want to take? What resources or materials do you need and how will you get them? What hazards or risks are involved? What obstacles might you encounter and how will you overcome them?…
Leader Resource 1: Is This Acting With Courage?
From Heeding the Call

1. Sophia, a 5-year old girl, walks out on the diving board. Her mom is in the swimming pool below encouraging her to jump. Sophia’s legs are shaking. She tells her mom that she doesn’t think she can do it. Sophia’s mom offers more words of encouragement….
Find Out More
From Heeding the Call

Racial oppression …