How Can I Design A Restorative Justice Circle Activity That Incorporates The Principles Of Ubuntu And Asset-Based Community Development To Help My 7th-grade Students Address The Historical Trauma And Systemic Injustices That Have Impacted The Indigenous Community In Our Local Region?

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Designing a Restorative Justice Circle Activity for 7th Graders: Addressing Historical Trauma in the Indigenous Community

Objective:
To create an engaging and educational restorative justice circle activity that incorporates Ubuntu and Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) principles, helping 7th graders understand and address historical trauma and systemic injustices affecting the local indigenous community.

Preparation:

  1. Collaboration with Indigenous Leaders:
    Consult with local indigenous leaders or organizations to ensure accuracy and cultural sensitivity. Consider involving them as guest speakers or advisors.

  2. Educational Foundation:

    • Provide students with background on historical trauma and systemic injustices through age-appropriate discussions or short lessons.
    • Introduce concepts of Ubuntu (interconnectedness) and ABCD (community strengths focus).

  3. Environment Setup:

    • Ensure a safe, respectful space for discussion. Consider the physical arrangement to facilitate circle participation.

  4. Cultural Sensitivity:

    • Avoid cultural appropriation by ensuring proper understanding and permission when incorporating indigenous traditions.

Activity Structure:

  1. Introduction to Circle Process (10 minutes):

    • Explain the restorative justice circle concept, emphasizing respect and active listening. Use a talking piece (e.g., stone, feather) to facilitate turn-taking.

  2. Welcome and Principles Overview (10 minutes):

    • Introduce Ubuntu and ABCD principles. Discuss their relevance to community healing and interconnectedness.

  3. Check-In (15 minutes):

    • Each student shares a word or phrase about community. This sets a reflective tone and encourages participation.

  4. Education Segment (20 minutes):

    • Present historical context specific to the local indigenous community. Use accessible methods like short videos or guest speakers.
    • Highlight historical trauma and systemic injustices, ensuring content is appropriate for 7th graders.

  5. Reflection and Discussion (20 minutes):

    • Facilitate discussion on the impact of injustices and how Ubuntu and ABCD can guide healing.
    • Use open-ended questions to encourage deep thinking and empathy.

  6. Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) Brainstorming (20 minutes):

    • Shift focus to community strengths. Ask students to brainstorm local assets and how they can be mobilized for positive change.

  7. Commitment to Action (15 minutes):

    • Encourage students to think about personal contributions, such as volunteering or awareness campaigns.
    • Each student shares a commitment or action step.

  8. Check-Out and Closing (10 minutes):

    • Students share one thing they're grateful for or a commitment. Close with a reflection on interconnectedness and collective responsibility.

Follow-Up and Assessment:

  1. Debriefing Session:

    • Discuss students' feelings and reactions post-activity. Use feedback forms to assess understanding and impact.

  2. Community Engagement:

    • Plan future actions, such as guest speakers, field trips, or community projects, to reinforce learning.

  3. Reflection and Adjustment:

    • Evaluate the activity's effectiveness and gather feedback for improvements.

  4. Cultural Sensitivity Review:

    • Ensure all activities are respectful and culturally appropriate, possibly with ongoing consultation.

Considerations:

  • Time Management: Allocate 60-90 minutes, adjusting as needed for attention spans.
  • Materials: Prepare talking pieces, brainstorming charts, and multimedia resources.
  • Support Systems: Ensure access to counselors or support resources if sensitive topics arise.

By following this structured approach, the activity will foster empathy, understanding, and community engagement, empowering students to contribute positively to healing and justice.