“The term [conscientization] refers to learning to perceive social, political, and economic contradictions, and to take action against the oppressive elements of reality.” – Paulo Freire, Pedagogy of the Oppressed
“Conscientization is where one achieves an in-depth understanding of the forces that shape one’s life space, and becomes an active agent in constructing a different…reality.” – Caffarella & Merriam, 1999
What you need:
What you need: Skittles, Starbursts, M&Ms, or any type of colorful candy you prefer.
Purpose: Fun activity to learn more about commonalities of group.
Activity: Have the group form a circle of chairs with one person standing in the middle. The person in the middle makes a statement about something related to themselves using the phrase “The wind blows for people who…” The speaker must include themselves in the statement. Continue reading
“For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you made me welcome; naked and you clothed me; sick and you visited me; in prison and you came to see me. . . . I tell you solemnly, in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me.” -Matthew 25:35-40 (Christian scripture)
“In this world, hate never dispelled hate. Only love dispels hate. This is the law, ancient and inexhaustible.” -Dhammapada 1:5 (Collected sayings of the Buddha/Buddhist Scripture)
“Love the whole world as if it were yourself; then you will truly care for all things.” -Tao-te-ching 13:4 (Classical Chinese text)
Thumb: Say something you like.
Index Finger: Say where you’re going (hypothetically or literally, preferably hypothetically – where do you aspire to go).
Middle Finger: Say something you really dislike.
Ring Finger: Say something or someone you love.
Pinky: Say a fact you want to be remembered by or a random fact about yourself.
Purpose: Fun activity of quick thinking and word/action association
Activity: Invite group to stand in a circle. Leader will call out a person, object, or action. (ex: Beyoncé, the EL, surfing.) Group members will do the first action that comes to mind when they hear what was called. After a few examples, invite group members to call out suggestions.
What you need:
Purpose: In this activity, participants will each create their own “flag.” This flag will represent each person’s identity and help to illustrate their values. Continue reading