In Our Hands

			In Our Hands

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A Peace and Social Justice Program, Senior High

Authors: Eleanor Hunting, Virginia Lane, and Harold Rosen

Publisher: Unitarian Universalist Association

Pub. Date: 1990

Available From: UUA Bookstore

Theme and Description Involves young people in considering the nature and meaning of peace and social justice. They ex plore some or all of the following topics: the nature of conflict, conflict management and resolution, paths to peace and justice, common UU faithstances and their relationship to peace and justice, peacemakers and justice-builders, critical peace and justice issues, the ways people act for peace and justice, and UU worship services for peace and justice. Participants are invited to undertake both a social action project and a peace and social justice worship service for their congregation. The program ends with reflection and celebration.

Goals for Participants

To develop a greater understanding of and a deeper feeling for a variety of peace and justice issues
To gain insight into and understanding of their own attitudes and beliefs about peace and justice
To gain a familiarity with the social responsibility programs of their own congregation, community, district, and denomination
To increase their willingness to act in support of their ideals
To deepen their commitment to peace and justice as religious and practical ideals.

Age Range Grades 10 to 12 (ages 15 to 18)

Size of Group A minimum of 4

Space Requirements A comfortable, aesthetically pleasing space that is free from distractions and large enough for a variety of activities. The group should feel some sense of ownership of the space.

Number of Sessions 12 (Participants experience Sessions 1 to 3, then decide which of Sessions 4 to 11 they would like to do. The program concludes with Session 12.)

Length of Sessions 1 to 1 1/4 hours

Leader Training Leaders should be familiar and comfortable with the developmental characteristics of senior-high participants. Go-leadership is strongly recommended. No special training is necessary, but leaders unfamiliar with guided imagery should practice with family and friends before leading the group.

Leader Preparation 2 to 5 hours per session. Preparation time varies greatly according to the nature of the activity and the extent to which the youth take responsibility for the project. Go-leaders should meet periodically and plan to spend 10 minutes after each session to evaluate and plan ahead.

Strengths

Gives youth choices about what they will do together, providing both structure and flexibility
Provides a variety of learning experiences that address the spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional, and physical needs of this age
Connects participants with Unitarian Universalism and their own congregation
Offers an opportunity to act for peace and social justice

Gives participants the chance to lead worship in their congregation
Develops group skills such as values clarification, conflict resolution, discussion, and roleplay
Empowers young people to take some ownership of their program.

Limitations

Requires careful leader and participant preparation for some sessions
May be too discussion-oriented for some groups
Would benefit from more arts activities
Requires commitment from participants if they choose to do the more complex activities (the Meeting of the Minds, worship service, social action project).

Adaptability This level of In Our Hands can be used by a combined youth/adult group. It can also be adapted for camps, conferences, and retreats.

Unitarian Universalist Values The program specifically addresses the Principles of the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equity, and compassion in human relations; the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large; the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and Justice for all; and respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. The participants see how they can live out these Principles within the group and in the larger communities of their congregation, town or city, and the world.