Faith Curriculum Library: Tapestry of Faith: Heeding the Call: A Program on Justicemaking for Junior High School Youth

Faith In Action: Welcome Kits

Materials for Activity

Description of Activity

Participants demonstrate empathy for people in new surroundings.

Say to participants:

Even if you have never emigrated here from another country, you might have experienced what it feels like to migrate or move to a new city or school. Being the "new kid on the block" is not the same as what immigrants experience when moving to a new country, but there might be similarities. Have you ever been in a situation like this? What is it like to start a new school or move to a new location? If you have ever lived in a country other than the one you were born in, what was that like? What was it like when you first started coming to this congregation?

Ask participants to think about their schools and brainstorm a list of supplies to create "Welcome Kits" for new students. Ideas may include a map of the school, a list of locker locations for student leaders who can answer questions and a welcome card signed by school leaders along with a folder or pencil that has the school name or emblem printed on it.

You could build Welcome Kits for families visiting your congregation, too. The kit could include a newsletter, information on Unitarian Universalism, a wallet card of the seven Principles and schedules for religious education. Participants might want to create greeting cards to be included. Try to include a keepsake with your congregations name, address, and phone number. Customized pencils are fairly inexpensive. Remind youth to include items they would like to receive or would find useful.