The Pilgrimage - Workshops


		Workshop Descriptions POWER AND POLITICS: *1. “Power Play”* an interactive exercise that illustrates the unequal distribution of income and power in the world/US/Washington DC. “Power Play” explores how inequality can lead to and foster poverty and homelessness. The exercise is designed to evoke a discussion of “what is fair” and the effects on policy making in the United States. “Power Play” is also used to help brain storm effective tactics for advocating on behalf of smaller groups. The discussion will also bring up the role of Christians in an unequal world and how to follow Jesus’ example of giving voice to the concerns and needs of the poor and disenfranchised. Age: All Ages Group: 15-40 people Time: 1hour 30 min. *2. “Town Meeting”* adapted from the So Others Might EatSocial Justice Program to simulate the need for advocacy and the need for empowerment towards social change. The simulation is centered on a city council meeting taking place in DC regarding a row of abandoned buildings in the community. Groups will represent various parts of the community and lobby their position to the city council. At the end of the meeting the council will decide on the future of the homes. The discussion will focus on the basics of advocacy, and the different forms of advocacy. We will also discuss how Jesus was an “agitator” within his own community. Focus question for the workshop: As a Christian how can I best serve my community as an activist? Age: All Group: 5-40 Time: 1 hour HUNGER 3. “Face Hunger™” is a role-play and discussion workshop provided by the Capital Area Food Bank. The workshop increases awareness and understanding of hunger and its many causes by throwing participants into real-life profiles of people who are at risk of hunger. “Face Hunger” illuminates the challenges of providing meals for impoverished families. Participants deal with government agencies, private charities, and community businesses and services. At the same time, they confront issues such as racism, violence, and illiteracy. The role-play session is followed by a discussion of the exercise and exploring how Jesus treated those that were hungry. The workshop will end with some time to think about short and long term strategies to help alleviate poverty and hunger. Age: All Group: 10-40 people Time: 1hour and 30 min. *4. “OXFAM Hunger Banquet”* an adaptable workshop addressing the issues of world hunger. Through a visual and upfront way, participants are split into the three classes of the world and eat the “typical” class meal for that day. While sharing a meal, the Hunger Banquet leader describes each class and the situations in which they live. Participants share a meal, interact with each other and then discuss the global impact upon food and wealth accessibility. The discussion will be focused on Jesus’ ethic of empowering each one of us to create equality in our own lives and seek justice for those that will go hungry on any given day. Age: All Group: 20-40 people Time: 1hour and 30 min. at dinner time Prep: The Pilgrimage Manager will work with the group leaders to prepare the meals needed. There will be extra planning involved with this workshop. HOUSING/ HOMELESSNESS *5. “Build Your Dream Home”* this interactive group activity illustrates the inequalities of housing in the United States. Groups are asked to build their “dream home” using the materials that are provided. The materials (construction paper, tape, crayons etc...) are representative of the distinct differences in the wealth of homeowners in the US. Groups present their homes and discuss the barriers in building their “dream.” Participants will also explore how they feel when comparing their home to others and where homelessness impacts the vision of building a home. The activity will end with a discussion about “God’s home” and how we can build a world where all of God’s creation has a “dream home.” Age: senior high and older Group: 5-40 Time: 1 hour *6. “Housing 101”* adapted from So Others Might Eat Social Justice Program. In Housing 101 individuals are given the challenge of finding affordable housing in the DC Area. Participants are faced with the burden of not only balancing their family budget but also dealing with roadblocks in the system while working with various housing agencies. The simulation will be followed by a discussion of the difficulties and reality of finding affordable housing as well as a chance to reflect on ways to make access to housing easier for low income people. Focus Question: As Christians what is our role in providing shelter for our brothers and sisters? Age: All Group: 10-40 Time: 1 hour and 30 min. REFLECTION *7. “The Basics of Life”* an imaginary trip into the downward spiral of the poverty. Step by step, participants and their families are led through the difficulties of living in poverty as “the basics of life” are one by one stripped away. Groups are then asked to reflect on the most important and most expendable aspects of their lives. “The Basics of Life” also pushes participants to reflect on the role of the “Christian neighbor” in fighting poverty in your home community. Age: All Group: 5-40 Time: 1 hour *8.“At the Weeks End”* towards the end of the week it is recommended to have a closing reflection with your group. This reflection will give participants the opportunity to share their reflections of the week and when and where they experienced the presence of God. Participants will be challenged to think about how to take their week of service home with them in order to continue their lives as educated and experienced Christian disciples. Age: All Group: All Time: Depends 9. Poetry Workshop with David Harris David Harris is one of the "Faces" panelist with the National Coalition for the Homeless. Since being homeless David has discovered that he is a very talented poet. David's writing helps him cope with the realities of living on the streets. As a part of our partnership with David we are using some of his skills to have more reflection time with our volunteers. David runs a beautiful workshop where volunteers write and share some their thoughts and impressions of the week. A very meaningful and powerful end to an intense week. David asks for an honorarium of $50 for transportation and preparation time. Age: All Group: All Time: Depends