Worth and Dignity of All People

			Worth and Dignity of All People

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Author: Marjorie Dunn

Publisher: Paint Branch Unitarian Universalist Church

Pub. Date: 1993

Available From: Paint Branch UU Church, 3215 Powder Mill Rd., Adelphi, MD 20783. Phone (301) 937-3666

Theme and Description Based on the first Principle--the inherent worth and dignity of every person--for grades 1 to 8 in 4 grade levels (1 to 2, 3 to 4, 5 to 6, and 7 to 8). Themes include building a caring/respectful group; understanding people with disabilities; understanding/overcoming racism, sexism, homophobia, and prejudice. Each theme is addressed in age-appropriate ways.

Coals for Participants

To broaden understanding of the worth and dignity of every person
To value diversity
To feel empathy for others
To benefit from and contribute to a caring, respectful group.

Age Range Grades 1 to 8 (4 age levels)

Size of Group Flexible

Space Requirements Room for a variety of activities

Number of Sessions 5 for each age level

Length of Sessions 1 hour, with an additional 15 minutes optional Leader

Training Team teaching is strongly recommended. Teacher training is a good idea to practice group building and communication skills and to raise consciousness about various "isms." Leader Preparation 2 to 3 hours per session

Strengths

Emphasizes respect and equity in the group
Has a clear, consistent session format
Contains many engaging activities
Includes good resource and enrichment suggestions
Includes a cassette tape
Makes "the inherent worth and dignity of every person" concrete for children.

Limitations

Requires a copy of Open Minds to Equality by Nancy Schiedewind and Ellen Davidson for older age levels
Leaders need to spend time making the environment truly reflective of diversity by gathering visual materials, books, etc.

Adaptability

Can be used as the children's program at camp and conferences
Can be part of an all-church focus on diversity.

Unitarian Universalist Values In agreement with all the Principles of the UUA, the program focuses on the first--the inherent worth and dignity of every person.