|
|
Age Advisory Off and Running is a wonderful resource for exploring a variety of issues surrounding racial identity, LGBT issues, transracial adoption and Jewish diversity. However, we recommend this film for older adolescents as it deals with teen sex, pregnancy, abortion, running away, and academic failure. This film is best viewed with a facilitator with experience in adolescent identity. We are All Diverse  Diversity is everywhere, whether we recognize it or not. This means that we must learn to ask questions and to see the diversity that surrounds us regardless of our background. It means not assuming that diversity only belongs to a certain kind of person, or can only be discussed by those who we stereotypically considered to be diverse. We all have multiple identities. It is important to start with exploring the diversity that exists in ourselves. It is valuable, especially when working with teenagers, for each person to recognize the many forms of diversity in their lives—their families, background, interests, and experiences. They need to be able see themselves before they see others. Things That are Difficult to Talk About A visually homogeneous family has the option to choose whether or not to share their distinctiveness with the rest of the world. Whereas a racially blended and/or same-sex parent families, for example, cannot choose to hide this element of difference. The children in these families may be faced with questions about identity before they are ready to talk about it. Talking about subjects that are seemingly out of the norm can be uncomfortable, especially for adolescents. They may just becoming aware that all family systems are complex, complicated and “out of the norm” in some way. Talking about identity takes practice, patience and support. Language of Diversity The goal is to develop a safe and supportive space to enable successful exploration and education around the issue of diversity. Diversity is best discussed in a way that prepares the participants to ask questions, take risks, make mistakes and be comfortable “not knowing.” Not being afraid to challenge our assumptions ensures life-long learning about diversity. In the language of diversity, strength is exhibited by feeling comfortable with what we do not know. Off and Running provides an opportunity to discuss and practice this "language of diversity" as a community. |
Be'chol Lashon Discussions Young people need to be able to identify their role in the global Jewish community. They need to feel welcomed in the way we want them to welcome others. In facilitated Be’chol Lashon discussions, we will discover what we think we know about diversity, what we think we are supposed to know, what we are afraid to ask, and why it is important for us to see life through the lens of diversity. Viewers will be empowered to come to their own conclusions about diversity in the world and what the Jewish community looks like. Our goal is to assist viewers in developing the language they need to help them communicate what they have learned. |