BK at the UN - Human Rights

A Values-Based Program

Dedicated to the `World Programme of Action for Youth for the Year 2000 and beyond'.

AIM:
GIVE ONE, TAKE ONE is an opportunity for young adults (15-25) to participate in their own personal growth and empowerment. Positive thinking, enhancement of potential, sustaining ideals, and creativity are vital for the development of values-based behaviors and attitudes. This program is designed as a popular outreach exercise to encourage young men and women from around the world to build inner capacity, self-control, and self-confidence.

OBJECTIVE:
GIVE ONE: Choose an unhelpful habit that you are uncomfortable with -- either in your way of speaking or behaving -- with the aim of giving it up.
Examples:

Using your words to criticise or 'pull apart'.

Swearing

Limiting or hiding potential (e.g. Shyness)

TAKE ONE: Look for a value within yourself that you are comfortable with -- e.g., love, dignity, enthusiasm, freedom, respect, tolerance, peace, fairness, equality, belonging, friendship, understanding, etc. -- with the aim of taking on one quality as a values-based way of speaking or behaving.
Examples:

Using lanuage to support and respect the ideas of others e.g. "that's fantastic... what can I do to help!"
Sweet or beautiful words that bring out further beauty in situations.
Having the determination to push back present boundaries - take on a community task for one week.

(See Personal Chart)

METHOD:
Easy exercises are helpful in personal growth. They stimulate creativity and are gentle, supportive, and dynamic.

EXPLORE the inner self by using the visualization exercise below, or you may want to create your own:

EXERCISE: Sit still and comfortably, feeling alert but relaxed. . .
On the screen of your mind see yourself in a beautiful field. It has been raining, but now there is a rainbow in the sky, brilliant against the backdrop of a deep blue sky. You feel happy and peaceful as you walk across the field toward a wood. There is a little wooden gate at the entrance to the wood, with creaking hinges. You enter the wood and are aware of the range of delightful smells that the plants and trees give off as they dry in the warm sunlight. You follow a path, which meanders through the tall trees to a clearing; at the center of which, is your friend who welcomes you with open arms. You feel so relaxed in this person's company and are able to open your heart's desires. Your friend has a gift for you: a mysterious box on which is carved the words, 'YOUR QUALITIES". You open the box and see four colored stones - on each one is written one of your qualities. You pick them up, studying each in turn, feeling that quality within. You stand quietly for a few moments, breathe deeply, and feel the joy in your heart. Your friend says it is time for you to take your gift and retu home. You bid farewell to your friend, and retracing your steps, return through the gate.

REFLECTIVE QUESTIONS: Take Time to Think About it

Do you think about your inner world and your innate qualities?
Do you find it difficult?
So often we focus on our negative points. Can you suggest how we can focus more on the positive aspects of ourselves -- of, say, peace, happiness, or cooperation?

(See Personal Reflection Chart).

DISCOVER your innate qualities by reading the following story:

Winsome is a high school student who gets up early in the morning.

Winsome: "What a lovely morning. I feel great. I think I'll do my hair in a new style and paint my nails in a new color."

Winsome goes downstairs.

Mum: "You're late, and what have you done to your hair and nails!"

Winsome thinks to herself, 'I am lovable'.

She has her cereal, collects her school things and heads for the door. She arrives in class and talks excitedly to her friends about some part of the lesson she's enjoying. The teacher looks up.

Teacher: "Didn't I tell you to get on quietly, Winsome? Have you no self-control? You never listen!".

Later another teacher is handing back some homework. She speaks to Winsome.

Teacher: "This is much better, Winsome! Who helped you with it? It can't be your work!"

Winsome thinks to herself, 'I am capable'.

REFLECTIVE QUESTIONS:Take Time To Think About It.

How does Winsome feel about herself and her interactions with other people?

Do you ever experience such feelings? How do you cope?

We have qualities within us that make us lovable and capable individuals. How can we recognize these qualities and allow them to flourish?

How can we stop ourselves putting others down as the people in the story did to Winsome?

(See Personal Reflection Chart).

EXPERIENCE

Think of someone you hold in high esteem, a 'mentor' or a friend you trust. Share the experiences of your explorations and discoveries with that person. Discuss with that person what unhelpful habit you would like to give up and what quality you would like to take on.

TAKE A STAND

Give up the unhelpful habit and take on the helpful Values-based behavior.

(See Personal Chart).

Š2004 BKWSU