Scott Nishimoto

Ho‘oponopono

Learn about Ho‘oponopono, the Hawaiian system for ‘setting it right,’ and restoring individual and community harmony and balance. It promotes acts of healing interpersonal conflicts and is relationship-centered and not agreement-centered. It often involves forgiveness. During Ho‘omalu, practitioners sit in solitude and gather strength prior to speaking one’s true feelings. With all family members working …

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History Jigsaw Puzzle

Each participant explores the same time or event in history from the perspective of a different person or group. Individuals then come together and share their perspectives in order to have a whole and multidimensional portrait of the historical period or event.

Gut Check

Project a slide or make a poster listing or showing in pictures a wide range of emotions and feelings (brave, uncomfortable, confident, jealous, peaceful, disappointed, safe, strong, sorry, etc….). Ask youth to pick two different emotions that describe them today – one emotion they show on the surface, and another emotion they keep on the …

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Group Conflict Challenge

Research and examine the different contemporary and indigenous systems for resolving conflicts. Form teams of problem-solvers representing the various systems. Each team is given a group challenge with a conflict at the center, and they endeavor to resolve the conflicts in culturally responsive ways.  They then debrief with each other what they experienced and observed. …

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Gender-Neutral Language

Make efforts to use language and references that are not limited to only one gender, for example, “How are you guys doing today?” or “Firemen are so brave.” Strive to use language that is more inclusive and respectful of the many roles that both genders play, while also lessening the continuation of stereotypes. 

Gender Critique

Critically reflect on the role gender played in a particular situation. Gender critiques should be visited when reading history, current literature, looking at current events, etc. Were both genders engaged, invited and empowered? If not, why? Why is this important?