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. …
Keep a journal with writings and/or artwork to record and express what you are most thankful for in your life. There are many small things that are easy to take for granted. This is a good way to recognize and therefore appreciate what we have, so that we may share our talents with others. Suggestion …
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.
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?
A family, a classroom, a school or a community gets together to envision the future they desire. Collectively draw, paint, or write out the family, school or community that everyone wants. Who is there? What is there? How do people problem solve? How do people share resources? How do people work with one another? How …
A way of measuring how everyone is feeling about a process. A useful tool to use as a check-in throughout a process. People show fingers to display their “feeling number,” 5 being fully satisfied/supported, 0 being not happy/not supported at all. Address what could be changed or improved if participants show 0-3s, and evaluate the …
A valuable resource for learning how to think critically and responsibly about multicultural and social justice issues. It is made up of seven letter prompts, each of which represents a different thinking strategy. Each letter can be used to generate a question or claim. W-R-A-I-T-E-C is below: W – WHAT do you mean by that?R …
When people are upset, they access the fight/flight part of their brain. Do not try to solve problems if you or the youth are angry and upset. Create a cooling-off period and secure a time and place to work through the issue when the adult and the youth have clearer heads. Purpose is to de-escalate …
An interactive activity that increases awareness of our own and others’ preferences and opens doors to empathy. Create four signs on large chart paper – North, South, East, West . Write these traits associated with each “point”, and leave some room for note taking. North: Acting – Let’s do it, try new things, jump in, …
Identify cultural treasures from the families in your classroom. Have families come in and share their cultural traditions. Highlight ways of celebrating community through dance, art, music, and food. Crosswalk the experiences to highlight the sharing of humanity’s various cultures. Additionally, youth can find hybrid cultural forms of expression and food that show cultural collision, …
