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

Faith In Action 2: Allies, Phase 2

Materials for Activity

  • Handout 1, Oppression Continuum, or projected Justicemakers Guide, from Workshop 5
  • Handout 1, Ally Action 2
  • The returned handouts from the last workshop
  • Pens or pencils
  • Optional: Computer and large monitor or projector and screen

Preparation for Activity

If you are using the Justicemakers Guide electronically, test your equipment

Description of Activity

Youth continue their work toward becoming better allies.

Ask who brought back Handout 2, Ally Action 1, from the last workshop. Acknowledge those who did and remind everyone that this is a long-term Faith in Action activity and they will be asked to bring the handout back for every workshop.

Solicit volunteers to discuss actions they took toward Phase 5.

Pass out Handout 1, Ally Action 2. Tell the group that today they will work toward being a good ally by moving along the continuum from Phase 2, Denying or Ignoring, to Phase 3, Recognizing, but No Action. Ask what action can be taken to move from Phase 2 to Phase 3? If someone answers you need to inwardly recognize oppression, ask if everyone feels comfortable working to inwardly acknowledge oppression of their allied group. Have participants name ways to do this. Some suggestions are on the continuum. Suggest that youth use the Justicemakers Guide to write down any oppression they witness.

Ask everyone to note on Handout 1, Ally Action 2, the date, the group they want to be an ally to, and the answer to the first question, “What action do you want to take?” Ask them to answer the additional questions if applicable.

Tell participants that they should bring this handout back at the next workshop when they will commit to another step along the continuum to being a better ally.