By Gabrielle Farrell, Jenice View, Natalie Maxwell Fenimore
© 2009
In spirit, we embrace the contribution of diversity to our collective ability to pursue truth, fairness, justice and love. In practice, however, we often fail to embrace all the experiences and viewpoints in our communities as respectfully or as wholly as we might. Sometimes, we fail to even see differences among us. We seem most prone to gloss over differences when to acknowledge them requires acute self-examination and may lead to pain, shame, discomfort or guilt.
Windows and Mirrors nurtures children's ability to identify their own experiences and perspectives and to seek out, care about, and respect those of others. The sessions unpack topics that lend themselves to diverse experiences and perspectives—for example, faith heritage, public service, anti-racism and prayer. The program teaches that there are always multiple viewpoints and everyone's viewpoint matters.
Contents
Introduction
From Windows and Mirrors
The Program Mirrors in which they can see themselves, windows in which they can see the world. — Lucille Clifton, African American poet, writer and educator Unitarian Universalism views our members' multiple perspectives as a blessing. In spirit, we embrace the contribution of diversity to our...
Program Structure
From Windows and Mirrors
All sessions follow the same structure. Between an Opening and a Closing, activities guide participants to experience and discuss a variety of social justice issues that inform their world. Some issues discussed are privilege, racism and the value of different kinds of work....
Leader Guidelines
From Windows and Mirrors
It is expected you will adapt sessions to fit your resources, time constraints and group of children. However, take care to preserve the intent of a session and its purpose in the overall program. Read each session ahead of time, several days before leading it....
Implementation
From Windows and Mirrors
These sessions can be used at any time of year. It is recommended they be used in sequence. The order of sessions and the order of activities within each session is designed to help participants with diverse backgrounds and learning styles accumulate and deepen their learning in community....
Before You Start
From Windows and Mirrors
Window/Mirror Panels Decide the panels' format and size. This will be based on how you plan to exhibit the panels at the conclusion of the program, and how many opportunities the children will have to complete their panels....
Reading Resources for Windows and Mirrors
From Windows and Mirrors
The Gift of Faith: Tending the Spiritual Lives of Children by Jeanne Harrison Nieuwejaar Second Edition (Boston: Skinner House Books, 2003) Welcoming Children with Special Needs: A Guidebook for Faith Communities by Sally Patton (Boston: Unitarian Universalist Association, 2004) Last Child in the...
Principles and Sources
From Windows and Mirrors
There are seven principles which Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote: The inherent worth and dignity of every person; Justice, equity and compassion in human relations; Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations; A free and responsible...
Facilitator Feedback Form
From Windows and Mirrors
We welcome your critique of this program, as well as your suggestions. Thank you for your feedback! Your input improves programs for all of our congregations....
Participant Feedback Form
From Windows and Mirrors
We welcome your critique of this program, as well as your suggestions. Thank you for your feedback! Your input improves programs for all of our congregations....
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