Tapestry of Faith: Building the World We Dream About: An Anti-racism Multicultural Program

Activity 3: Developing Multicultural Competence through Skits

Activity time: 65 minutes

Materials for Activity

Preparation for Activity

  • Copy the Multicultural Competence Worksheet (Workshop 14, Handout 3) and Handout 2, Procedure for Creating a Skit.
  • Review the reflection group assignments you established for Workshop 2 and make any needed changes or form new groups based on the guidelines in the program Introduction. List members of the reflection groups on newsprint and post. Under each list, write one of the following practices that build multicultural competence:
    • Develop personal cultural awareness of groups/people who are not like you
    • Acquire specific knowledge about individuals and groups from other cultures and affiliations
    • Maintain a receptive attitude and openness to all forms of diversity
    • Cultivate a passion for multicultural settings and intercultural engagement.
  • Arrange appropriate spaces for reflection groups to meet-in different rooms, if possible, to avoid the natural tendency to eavesdrop on other conversations.

Description of Activity

Distribute Workshop 14, Handout 3 and call attention to the reflection group lists you have posted. Explain the activity using these or similar words:

Each reflection group is invited to focus on one practice which builds multicultural competence and create a skit where this practice (or lack of it) comes to life.

Distribute Handout 2, Procedure for Creating a Skit, and invite reflection groups to work together to create skits. Allow 20 minutes for this part of the activity.

Invite each group to present its skit to the large group. Invite the audience to view the skit with an eye toward learning something about the practice or skill. After each skit is presented, ask these questions:

  • What happened?
  • Was the skill used well, or not?
  • What alternative strategies might be used?

After all skits have been presented, lead a discussion with these questions:

  • What did you learn about these skills and competencies?
  • How can we weave these understandings into our congregational life?
  • How can these skills be incorporated into our spiritual, personal and professional lives?