One's life has value so long as one attributes value to the life of others, by means of love, friendship, indignation and compassion. — Simone de Beauvoir

This workshop brings scientific information, religious exploration, and, of course, opportunities for youth to share from their personal experiences with the virtue of compassion. When it comes to compassion, knowing where to draw the line can be difficult. Be sure to include the workshop's questions about balance.

Several activities can be enriched with resources available on the Internet. A computer with Internet access will prove useful, even if you do not have a large monitor for viewing.

Note: Activity 5, Dilemma offers three scenarios, and one involves the death of a pet. If someone in the group has recently experienced the death of a pet, you may wish to use an alternate scenario.

Goals

This workshop will:

• Examine the meaning of compassion
• Explore situations that call for compassion
• Guide youth to identify themselves as compassionate people.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

• Explore the meaning of compassion
• Discuss a dilemma where compassion is called for
• Identify experiences when they have, or have not, used compassion, and commit to practicing the virtue of compassion in a particular aspect of their life.