Youth work to identify community problems and respond to community needs. They are guided through exercises (many in this Tool Kit) in imagining a stronger community and what it would take to get there. They are asked to take a look at their class, school, neighborhood, state, nation, and/or the world. This activity can serve …
Ask youth to conduct research on various conflicts by visiting peace education websites or multiple media sources. After researching the dimensions and various perspectives of the conflict, in groups or as a class, brainstorm solutions and figure out the resources needed to get involved in positive and safe ways. Alternatively, youth can find problems that …
Vary instructional strategies to develop the whole brain. Provide youth multiple sources of input including books, videos, lectures, discussions, visuals, stories and songs. Allow youth multiple avenues of output and ways to present knowledge, including essays, presentations, plays, dances, and songs. Change instructional strategies frequently.
Youth brainstorm a list of activists, leaders, philosophers, philanthropists, and others who have made a difference in their communities and/or the world. They identify the accomplishments, list favorite quotes, and create images and videos they feel represent each individual in a wall or digital display. Youth discuss how things would be different if the individuals …
A fun and physical activity that encourages teamwork and collaboration. You will need an even number of youth to participate, ideally close to 10. Find a straight line on the ground (or make one with tape) and have all youth stand on the line. Number each person in standing order from 1-10. The object of …
To create an autobiographical story, start with the problem, tension, conflict or personal realization that will serve as the heart of the story. Then work backwards by describing the setting (place & time) and characters. Develop the story forward by describing significant life events leading up to the climax. Then resolve the problem, tension or …
An activity for “peace within and between” that focuses on negative self-talk, negative thoughts and statements about others, and complaining. A good idea is to have youth commit to this activity for at least one full day, and even longer if possible. All that is needed is a large quantity of paper clips. Explain to …
Starting in the pre-teen years, many people use electronic devices and social media, and it is critical that we teach them how to behave appropriately and safely online. Have discussions about how the internet has improved our lives, but that there are also conditions to its use. Remind teens that their online “footprint” lives on …
Using bigger than, less than, or equal signs, role-play different scenarios the youth face on a day to day basis to evaluate whether or not a situation feels “equal.” If the situation doesn’t feel equal have them use, write, or state the bigger than or less than sign to determine who holds the power. Have …
This is a fun game that emphasizes clear communication, listening skills, and teamwork. Choose a large indoor or outdoor area and divide youth into two groups. You will need blindfolds for every person except for two. Place the groups at opposite ends of the space, and all people wear a blindfold except for one on …
Create laminated pictures or drawings of various needs and wants, or have the items on hand. Have youth toss the items in a “want” bucket and a “need” bucket. Once the items are in the buckets, have them gather the wants and needs separately into two categories, writing them out or drawing them. Next, have …
A collaborative outdoor activity in which youth are challenged to build a shelter with a limited number and type of materials (ie. no more than 20 items) and within a designated amount of time. They must work in small groups, and all opinions are welcome and encouraged. The shelter does not need to be “attractive” …
