Race to Justice
A Racial Justice and Diversity Program for Junior HighBy José A. Ballester y Marquez and Robin Gray
- Theme and Description
- Promotes self-esteem, reduces prejudice, and affirms racial, ethnic, cultural, and familial diversity. Directly addresses the definition and nature of racism in age-appropriate ways, engages participants in hands-on activities, and builds community.
- Goals for Participants
- To promote self-esteem in a caring community;
To understand racial justice and diversity issues through experiential learning exercises;
To understand and affirm the value of multiculturalism;
To see oneself and others as active agents for racial justice.
- Age Range
- Ages 12 to 14
- Size of Group
- 10 to 16 ideal
- Space Requirements
- A meeting space large enough for small- and large-group activities; ideally, one that can be decorated with multicultural visuals.
- Number and Length of Sessions
- 15 sessions
Length: 1 hour - Leader Training
- No special training is required. Co-leaders of both genders who represent racial, ethnic, and/or cultural diversity; like young adolescents; are committed to racial justice; and have good group dynamic skills are strongly recommended.
- Leader Preparation
- 1 1/2 to 4 hours per session
- Strengths
- Includes creative, engaging activities, including two games.
Contains clear, well-scripted sessions.
Inspires group-buildingAddresses a variety of learning styles.
Provides an opportunity for participants to interact with a variety of people in the congregation.
Culminates in a multimedia project that can involve the entire congregation.
Empowers young people to act on their principles and values. - Limitations
- May require a large time commitment from leaders, especially for the multimedia project.
- Adaptability
- Can be used in a youth-group format rather than a classroom format.
Can be adapted as workshops for camps and conferences.
Can be adapted for senior-high youth
With sufficient leadership, can be used with groups of 20 or more. - Unitarian Universalist Values
- Directly addresses the UU 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; and the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.
Reviewed on June 30, 1996
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