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INTRODUCTION
RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY is public television at its best. The series introduces us to important issues in our own faiths as well as to belief systems that may be entirely new to us. It is appropriate for independent learning, but we think it is particularly useful for group study and discussion. Such discussion might take place in the context of an adult learning circle at a particular place of worship; or discussion might be incorporated as part of an interfaith event. In either case, the following will help you incorporate the series, guide, and Web site into your group activities as well as provide guidelines for planning and conducting a successful discussion.
PLANNING THE DISCUSSION
The first step in planning a discussion is determining WHAT will be discussed, and WHO will participate in the discussion. Will the discussion be an ongoing exploration of various topics, or is it designed to provide a single exploration of a specific topic or issue? You might choose to discuss the topics in the RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY Viewer's Guide, or certain segments of the program may inspire you to develop your own topics and discussion questions.
Will the discussion be intrafaith or interfaith? Will it be open to groups other than faith groups, such as community service organizations? Be mindful of the differing needs of diverse groups. Whether your groups are small or large, diversity is key for any fruitful discussion.
How to Get Started
Establish a Planning Committee to schedule your discussion(s), including representatives from the each of the groups you would like to participate. With them, determine the following items:
The specific goal of the discussion:
- What is the desired result?
- To increase awareness and understanding of religious and ethical practices;
- To explore a topic or topics of special interest; and/or
- To increase understanding of and participation in religious and ethical activities and programs.
- Will there be any follow-up?
The components of the discussion:
- What topic(s) should be addressed, and who should speak?
- Who can moderate the topic(s) sensitively in an open discussion?
- How can participants take the next step?
- Are any materials or equipment needed?
(i.e., videotape, VCR, copies of the R&E Viewer's Guide, additional resources from the Web)
Intrafaith Discussion
Who should come:
Exploring and understanding differences is how we learn and grow. Although you may share a faith, there are many other ways to create a diverse group. Be sure to include people of varying races, ages, genders, and special interest groups. Or, invite members of another congregation of your faith to join you.
Where to host it:
Your own place of worship is a natural choice, but you might also consider rotating the location of discussion among the homes of participants if your place of worship is not available. If your discussion will include members of another congregation, you might consider a future discussion event at their facility.
When:
If you are establishing an ongoing discussion group, plan to hold regular meetings, whether weekly, biweekly or monthly. Some groups may want to watch the program together and then discuss it immediately afterwards. Others might prefer to meet a few days after the broadcast. Depending on the broadcast time in your area, you may want to tape the program for group viewing.
Interfaith/Community Discussion
Who should come:
Members of any of the following groups might be included in an interfaith or community discussion:
- Clergy/Members of various faiths
- Religion/Ethics Educators
- Classroom Teachers
- Civic Leaders
- Community Service Organizations
- Issue-oriented Discussion Groups
- Interfaith Councils
- Local Affiliates of Outreach Associates
Where to host it:
If your discussion will include members of different faiths, try to find neutral ground: A civic building, conference space in a college, museum, or library, or local school auditorium works well. Holding it in a religious institution may send a mixed signal to a secular or interfaith group.
When:
In planning an interfaith or community event, it is important to consider participants' schedules. If you want K-12 educators to attend, starting at 4:00 p.m. provides that opportunity, but is still within standard business hours for non-educators. Weekends might seem ideal, but if you are including members of various faiths, differing days of observance may complicate scheduling.
CONDUCTING THE DISCUSSION
Discussion is a process by which we share our opinions and attitudes in an atmosphere of trust even when profound differences are expressed. The goal of discussion is to help us understand our own feelings, traditions, and beliefs and to give us the opportunity to understand the feelings, traditions, and beliefs of others. Discussion is not preaching or proselytizing, debate or defense -- it is an exploration and exchange of information. It is important when discussing such deeply personal topics as religion and ethics to create a "safe space:" an environment where learning, exchange, and free self-expression can take place without threatening or belittling any of the participants.
When embarking on a discussion event, whether the group consists of members from a single faith or a variety of faiths, it is important to set clear guidelines for respectful communication. Here are some suggestions for establishing a "safe space" in which to learn and grow.
Creating "Safe Space"
Before any type of dialogue can begin, it's important to set the tone. How it is done will influence the relationships and interactions participants will have with each other and the facilitators.
An atmosphere of respect is critical. Three basic ground rules should be established at the beginning of the discussion to allow participants to express themselves and learn from one another.
1. "One Mike"
This insures that only one person speaks at a time. This encourages listening to and learning from one another and allows everyone equal opportunity to speak and be heard. If more than one person is talking, facilitators and/or participants may enforce the One Mike rule by saying, "One Mike!"
2. Participation
Facilitators have a responsibility to encourage each person to participate and emphasize the premise that everyone contributes to the success of the discussion. Participants should not feel obligated to speak, although their thoughts and feelings are valuable to conducting a well-rounded discussion. However, the listening they grant to other speakers is equally valuable.
3. "Safe Space"
This ensures that all participants feel respected and comfortable to express their opinions. The main concepts in creating "Safe Space" are:
- Respecting one another's opinions even when they are different from our own. If someone says something that you don't agree with, it's OK to challenge the opinion, but not to attack the person. Exploring different opinions and points of view helps us gain understanding about the complexity of issues and allows us to gain insight into experiences different from our own.
- Supporting one another as new ideas and activities are explored. Some participants may be resistant to voicing opinion or engaging in activities. Emphasize that you are all learning together and no one will be ridiculed for trying out a new activity or working through a difficult concept.
If this is violated, facilitators and/or participants should say, "Safe Space!"
The "safe space" guidelines were adapted from Global Kids, Inc., a non-profit educational organization dedicated to preparing urban youth to become community leaders and global citizens. For more information, contact: Global Kids, Inc., 561 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10012 at (212) 226-0130.
Other Helpful Hints
- Organize groups that are diverse in religion, ethnicity, age, gender, and/or special interest.
- Enlist sensitive, knowledgeable discussion leaders. (Contact our Outreach Associates -- they may have local affiliates in your area that can contribute.)
- Be open to new viewpoints and ideas.
- Listen actively when others speak, and encourage all members to do the same.
- Rotate leadership among group members, with each member choosing a session or two that s/he would like to facilitate.
- Try to build on comments made by others so that a dialogue develops.
- Remember that it is important to honor people's feelings and testimony, even when they differ from our own.
- When scheduling interfaith events, be sure to consider days of worship or observance that may differ from your own.
- When serving refreshments, be mindful of traditions and dietary laws.
- Keep groups small (6-10) to promote full participation and lively exchange. If convening a larger group, consider breaking into smaller groups for at least part of the discussion session, starting and finishing with a general session to set the tone for discussion and to share experiences with the group at large.
FOLLOW-UP
Perhaps a topic discussed by your group will lead to a desire for further exploration or greater action. How does your congregation interact with or impact your community? As a community member, how could you work with other congregations to affect your community?
CONCLUSION
These suggestions are intended to help you use RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY to inspire discussion and promote understanding. Video, print, and the Internet are strong tools to stimulate and enhance dialogue.
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