© 2010
Heeding the Call is a social justice curriculum that not only explores linked oppressions in our society, but also encourages participants towards personal growth in values that counteract the marginalization of others. Workshops on empathy, courage, abundance, joy, and other qualities ask participants to recognize how these standards can be tools for justice. Additionally, the program includes more concrete tools, such as suggestions on how to be a good ally and tips on the language of conflict resolution. True stories of courage, sacrifice and collaboration, role-plays, games, and a program-long justice project will feed youth’s rising realization that as people of faith we are all called to love justice—not just with our words, but also with our deeds.
Contents
Acknowledgments
From Heeding the Call
I would like to thank Reverend Leslie Takahashi Morris and Reverend Clyde Grubbs for helping her understand linked oppressions in deeper ways and Reverend David Sammons, Reverend Kurt Kuhwald and Reverend David Pettee for shining the light on Unitarian Universalist ministry. I also would like to...
Introduction
From Heeding the Call
The Program The very least you can do in your life is to figure out what you hope for. And the most you can do is live inside that hope. Not admire it from a distance but live right in it, under its roof. — Barbara Kingsolver, author As Unitarian Universalists, we are called not to admire justice...
Program Structure
From Heeding the Call
Every workshop in Heeding the Call is built around a quality—a quality that will help create a more just world for all people. Some of the qualities are obvious, such as courage, understanding, and cooperation. Others, like imagination and joy, have less obvious implications in social justice...
Leader Guidelines
From Heeding the Call
Pay particular attention to your own experience working with youth as social justice work is the kind of work that can be deeply engaging and authentic, yet can also bring up challenging topics. Read each workshop and reflect upon how your personal beliefs may be challenged. How will you respond...
Implementation
From Heeding the Call
To generate interest in Heeding the Call, consider writing a letter for the congregational newsletter about the importance of social justice to our faith, the need to engage youth in this faith-developing work and how this curriculum supports these efforts....
Before You Start
From Heeding the Call
Review all the Faith in Action activities and decide if you will include any in your regular workshops or as additional events outside of workshop time. In particular, review Workshop 5, The Call for Courage, and decide if the group will participate in the long-term Faith in Action, Allies....
Resources
From Heeding the Call
A few books that might be useful are: 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 Universalis...
Facilitator Feedback Form
From Heeding the Call
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 Heeding the Call
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....
Principles and Sources
From Heeding the Call
There are seven Principles which Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote:
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