Faith Curriculum Library: Tapestry of Faith: Building the World We Dream About for Young Adults: An Anti-racist Multicultural Program

Activity 4: Practicing Resistance through Skits

Activity time: 60 minutes

Materials for Activity

Preparation for Activity

  • Copy both handouts for all participants.
  • Review the reflection group assignments you established in Workshop 3 and make any needed changes so that you will have four groups. Or, form new groups based on the guidelines in the program Introduction. List members of the reflection groups on newsprint and post the list where all participants can see it. Under each group, write one of the following practices that build multicultural competence:
    • Develop personal cultural awareness of groups and 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.
    Note: There is only enough time for three or four skits to be presented and adequately discussed. If your group is larger than 20, consider dividing the large group in half and then subdividing each half into small groups. Arrange for two different large spaces for acting out and discussing the scenarios.
  • Optional: Gather and set out costume items.

Description of Activity

Distribute Handout 2, Multicultural Competence Worksheet from Workshop 6, 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 that builds multicultural competence and to create a skit where this practice-or the lack of it-comes to life. You will have 20 minutes to create and practice your skit and prepare to lead a discussion afterward.

Distribute Handout 2, Procedure for Creating Your Skit. Invite each reflection group to create a skit and prepare to lead a follow-up discussion. Allow 20 minutes for this part of the activity.

Have each group 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, invite the actors to lead a discussion.

After all skits have been presented, engage the group in further discussion by posing these questions:

  • What did you learn?
  • How can these learnings be incorporated into our spiritual, personal, and professional lives?