Share this quote:

“We often become a part of [or begin to associate with] what is called a resistance community, a network of persons with similar ideals and goals.  As a result of this involvement, we experience the fact that others—friends, relatives, family, members of our [physical] community—simply do not comprehend what we are about.  We feel misunderstood, alienated, criticized, even persecuted.” -T. Wiesner

Open the floor for people to share anecdotes of experiences or simply vent about times when they have felt misunderstood by “others” — friends, family, or members of our community.

Activity: Ask participants to write a letter to someone they feel misunderstands their call to service and justice work. This should be someone you personally know.  Try to express exactly what you want from them (Do you want to convince them, understand a little better, or just be more respectful?).  You need not worry if this is a realistic demand or not.

Allow about 10-15 minutes to finish letters and time to share letters after completion.