Tapestry of Faith: Toolbox of Faith: A Program That Helps Children Discover the Uses of Faith

Spiritual Preparation

Take a moment and let your body and mind settle. If you are comfortable doing so, spend a few moments in peaceful meditation. In preparation for this session on democratic process, you may wish to reflect on your own experiences and feelings about voting, consensus-building, and democratic processes.

Think about social and political issues that raise the same level of controversy today as women's suffrage did in Olympia Brown's time, such as marriage equality, immigrant rights, and other civil liberties. How well do you think our democratic processes help us toward outcomes? What does your vote — your voice — in the democratic process mean to you? In what ways do you use your voice in group, congregational, or political decision-making? How does your participation reflect Unitarian Universalist values and Principles?

As an adult leader, your opinion may have more influence than those of participants. Therefore, your personal disclosure should not become part of the discussion unless participants ask you a question directly. In that case, be sure to preface your opinion by setting the context that each of us, adults and children, has different opinions, and yours is one among many. Then guide the conversation away from your own opinion and allow participants to reflect on their own thoughts.