In Our Hands
A Peace and Social Justice Program, Senior High

By Eleanor Hunting, Virginia Lane, and Harold Rosen

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Theme and Description

Involves young people in considering the nature and meaning of peace and social justice. They explore some or all of the following topics: the nature of conflict, conflict management and resolution, paths to peace and justice, common UU faith-stances 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.

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Age Range

Grades 10 to 12 (ages 15 to 18)

Size of Group

4 minimum

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 and Length of Sessions

12 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: 1 to 1 1/4 hours

Leader Training

Leaders should be familiar and comfortable with the developmental characteristics of senior-high participants. Co-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. Co-leaders should meet periodically and plan to spend 10 minutes after each session to evaluate and plan ahead.

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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 .
Gives participants the chance to lead worship in their congregation.
Develops group skills such as values clarification, conflict resolution, discussion, and role-play
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.

Reviewed on June 30, 1996

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