Workshop 4: The Call for Empathy

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

I am a human being; nothing human can be alien to me. — Terence, Roman playwright and freed African slave This workshop asks youth to explore the importance of empathy in justice work. Using the example of immigration, youth look through the eyes of those most affected—the immigrants—and…
Workshop-at-a-Glance
From Heeding the Call

Activity Minutes Opening 5 Activity 1: Story — On the Trail with No More Deaths 15 Activity 2: Learning Empathy 25 Activity 3: Word Power 10 Faith in Action: Welcome Kits Closing 5 Alternate Activity 1: Empathy Meditation 15 Alternate Activity 2: Immigration Web 20…
Spiritual Preparation
From Heeding the Call

This workshop includes activities related to current issues around immigration. Reflect on the recent news about immigrant families. Do you notice any similarities or differences between these current news stories and your family stories? Does your family story include immigration? Does thinking…
Opening
From Heeding the Call

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice and matches or LED candle Words for chalice lighting Preparation for Activity Write the chalice lighting words on newsprint and post. Description of Activity Gather youth in a circle. Welcome first-time participants. If there are new people…
Activity 1: Story - On the Trail with No More Deaths
From Heeding the Call

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Copy of the story “On the Trail with No More Deaths” A gallon jug of water 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….
Activity 2: Learning Empathy
From Heeding the Call

Activity time: 25 minutes Materials for Activity Handout 1, When I Am Frightened, or copies of Singing the Journey (Boston: Unitarian Universalist Association, 2005) Optional: Musical instrument or pre-recorded music and music player Optional: Costumes Preparation for Activity If your congregatio…
Activity 3: Word Power
From Heeding the Call

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Seven Principles poster or Principles written on newsprint Description of Activity Participants analyze a way language influences social justice work. Invite youth to reflect then share what comes to mind when they hear the word “illegal.” Explain…
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 invite volunteers to share one way they can use language to demonstrate empathy or help create justice in the world….
Leader Reflection and Planning
From Heeding the Call

Spend some time reflecting on how words were used during the workshop. Did youth experience using different terms to describe people as having an impact on people’s lives? In what ways would you like to see this workshop develop next time it is offered?…
Faith In Action: Welcome Kits
From Heeding the Call

Materials for Activity Description of Activity Participants demonstrate empathy for people in new surroundings. Say to participants: Even if you have never emigrated here from another country, you might have experienced what it feels like to migrate or move to a new city or school. Being the “new…
Alternate Activity 1: Empathy Meditation
From Heeding the Call

Activity time: 15 minutes Description of Activity Participants meditate to build empathy. Invite youth to spend a few moments in meditation. Participants get comfortable and still. Suggest they close their eyes, if comfortable doing so. Guide youth with the following script: Take several deep…
Alternate Activity 2: Immigration Web
From Heeding the Call

Activity time: 20 minutes Materials for Activity Ball of yarn Corn, on the cob or canned A piece of paper rolled up with ribbon wrapped around it and a tag that says “Mexican Constitution” A pair of sunglasses Map that shows Mexico and the United States Leader Resource 1, Understanding the Border…
Taking It Home: The Call for Empathy
From Heeding the Call

I am a human being; nothing human can be alien to me. — Terence, Roman playwright and freed slave In Today’s Workshop… We examined the role empathy plays in social justice by looking at current immigration issues. We discussed yet another way that language influences how we think about justice…
On the Trail with No More Deaths
From Heeding the Call

Used with permission of Geoffrey Bayer , No More Deaths.The July sun beat down, and by mid-morning, there was no avoiding the heat. By 10 am, the anticipation rose with the heat as nearly 40 humanitarian volunteers gathered in a parking lot just outside the small desert town of Arivaca….
Handout 1: When I Am Frightened

Shelley Jackson Denham

From Heeding the Call

This is Hymn 1012 in Singing the Journey (Boston: Unitarian Universalist Association, 2005), where it is titled “When I Am Frightened”. Words and music (C)1999 Shelley Jackson Denham. Used by permission. When I am frightened, will you reassure me? When I’m uncertain, will you hold my hand?…
Leader Resource 1: Understanding the Border

Bill Bigelow

From Heeding the Call

Adapted from The Line Between Us: Teaching About the Border and Mexican Immigration by Bill Bigelow (Milwaukee: Rethinking Schools, Ltd., 2006). Corn: The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is an agreement between the United States, Mexico and Canada that went into effect on January 1,…
Find Out More
From Heeding the Call

Immigration The Death of Josseline: Immigration Stories from the Arizona-Mexico Borderlands by Margaret Regan (Beacon Press, 2010). The U.S. Immigration Support website has information on how to get visas, green cards, and full citizenship….

Download all of Heeding the Call (Word) (PDF) to edit or print.

The UUA is no longer updating Tapestry of Faith programs.

Workshop 4: The Call for Empathy

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