Worth and Dignity of All People

By Marjorie Dunn

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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.

Goals 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.

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Age Range

Grades 1 to 8 (4 age levels)

Size of Group

Flexible

Space Requirements

Room for a variety of activities

Number and Length of Sessions

Length: 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

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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.

Reviewed on June 30, 1996

Unitarian Universalist Association
25 Beacon St. | Boston, MA 02108 | 617-742-2100