What Would You Sit Down For? Rationale Civil society demands courage from its members, and that includes the courage to take appropriate action. The range of action varies according to circumstance, but the example of Rosa Park’s contribution to the Civil Rights movement illustrates well the possibility and responsibility of civil action. Title “What Would You Sit Down For?” Aim SENSING CHANGED QUALITY OF AWARENESS Pupils will have the opportunity to explore their understanding of the contribution required of them in society, with particular emphasis on the right to vote. Objectives Pupils will: * Understand concepts such as freedom, responsibility, discrimination. * Identify feelings such as frustration, being the victims of discrimination * Reflect on issues of fairness and justice * Consider their role in promoting justice in society Link with 5–14 PSD; History; Modern studies Link with ACfE Successful learner Effective contributor to society Is this part of a series Single Assembly Introduction This assembly outline is designed to be delivered to a school stage / single class. Enter assembly without any audio-visual stimuli. If appropriate, pupils could be segregated according to identifiable feature such as hair colour. Stimulus * Pupils are instructed that those with blonde hair are not permitted to sit down; feelings of pupils are explored in general questioning * Introduction to civil rights movement in America and the role of Rosa Parks1 * Video clip of civil rights movement, including Martin Luther King Jr speech, ‘I have a dream.’ * Christian Bible passage: Galatians 3:26-28 Guided Reflection * Monologue explaining the importance of participation in civil life * Indicate cost to Rosa Parkes of her decision not to stand up to give her seat to a white man * She had been involved in the civil rights movement and was informed about the issues. She was a Christian and her faith informed her view. Read Galatians 3:26-28 and remind that cultural context was one of racial segregation * The campaign was not violent but had significant effects * View video of Martin Luther King Jr and crowds at his speech * Guided reflection focusing on opportunities for pupils to voice their concerns, especially by voting when able * Reflection on other possibilities for reform including campaigning, communication with local councils and parliaments and in school bodies Response * Create radio advert encouraging 18-19 year olds to vote * Discussion on reasons for lack of interest in political system Evaluation (a) Relevant staff should ask a sample of pupils to share their feelings and attitudes about the assembly. Notes should be taken to inform Evaluation (b) and for the preparation of future assemblies. Evaluation (b) Relevant staff should meet and engage a sample of staff teachers to discern how pupils have responded during the assembly and their recall and impression of the whole assembly experience. What Would You Sit Down For? Running Order Running time Mins Activity Personnel Resources Action Pre-event setup — Distinct seating areas created. Pupils directed to areas depending on obvious feature, for example hair colour Someone to direct pupils as they arrive. 0-4 4 Reflection on how it feels to be separated for hair colour Facilitator Discussion 5-9 5 Description of segregation and civil rights issues; role of Rosa Parks Facilitator Powerpoint presentation of images Observation, factual learning 10-12 2 Introduction to and reading of Galatians 3:26-282 Facilitator or pupil (prepared beforehand) Bible Listening, reflecting 13-15 4 Video of Martin Luther King Jr3 Facilitator DVD/Video Projector Watching, factual learning, reflecting 16-18 3 Discussion: what issues would you stand up for? Does it always have to be as dramatic as this? Facilitator Discussion 19-20 2 Silent reflection on the part we may play in our society world Facilitator Reflecting 20-22 2 Commercial break: ‘advertising’ ways of influencing decisions Facilitator Powerpoint presentation Watching, reflecting 1 Web Link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosa_Parks 2 Web Link http://tinyurl.com/2aeylw [Bible Gateway] 3 Web Link http://tinyurl.com/35xyfo [Google Video] Learning and Teaching Scotland — Religious Observance Template Submitted by The Church of Scotland 2007