Tapestry of Faith: A Place of Wholeness: A Program for Youth Exploring Their Own Unitarian Universalist Faith Journeys

Activity 1: Many Kinds of Freedom

Activity time: 10 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • Newsprint, markers and tape

Preparation for Activity

  • Post two sheets of newsprint.

Description of Activity

Participants identify different types of freedom and reflect on their own experiences of freedom.

Explain that freedom has been an important principle to Unitarians, Universalists, and Unitarian Universalists throughout our history. Say that today's workshop looks at some of this history and asks them to think about how they live out the principle of freedom in their own lives.

Ask participants, "What freedoms do you experience?" Write their responses on one sheet of newsprint.

Then ask, "What freedoms do you not experience?" Write those on a separate piece of newsprint.

Ask the group to compare the lists. Use the following refection questions to lead a discussion:

  • Why do we have some freedoms and lack others?
  • What do the freedoms on the first list allow us to do? Who lacks the freedoms on the first list?
  • Who has the freedoms on the second list? What do they have freedom from?
  • Have you ever lost a freedom? What did that feel like?
  • What do our Unitarian Universalist Principles and Sources, as well as your experiences of Unitarian Universalism, say about freedom?