This is the fifth activity on active citizenship. This activity can be used for reflection. You can find more activities on active citizenship here.

DURATION

30-45 minutes

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS

Between 5 and 12 participants.

MATERIALS

Paper and pens

PREPARATION

No preparations needed.

LINK TO THE TOPIC

Polarizing topics can be especially sensitive in a community. Understanding and respecting the needs and opinions of others is supportive to living a pro active life.

OBJECTIVES OF THE ACTIVITY

  • Taking different positions in a discussion on a civic topic
  • Learning the meaning and importance of being an active citizenship

DESCRIPTION

The participants get together in a circle and talk about pressing issues in their community, for example youth unemployment, poverty, social injustice, LGBTQ+ rights etc. Together they decide on one issue they would like to work with in this activity. This should take no longer than 5 minutes.

Next the participants write down different parties that are involved in this issue (politicians, citizens, teenagers, seniors, business people, NGOs, NPOs, …).

The facilitator now explains that they are going to improvise a talk show called “The burning issue”, where all parties will be represented.

Make groups of 2-3 participants. Each group is assigned one party. Remember to also pick one participant to play the talk show master. The groups may prepare their arguments. Then the scene is improvised.

Once the scene is finished the participants get together for reflection.

REFLECTION

  • How did you feel representing your party?
  • What can we take away from this activity for real life?
  • Why did you choose this issue?
  • What can you do to change it?
  • Which ideas would you like to try?