Discussion Questions Outline

This discussion is designed to help you reflect on the advocacy skills you practiced during today's lesson. Use the prompts below to guide your conversation and think about how you can apply these concepts in your daily life. Feel free to share personal experiences and ask follow-up questions as we deepen our understanding of advocacy.

Reflecting on Advocacy

1. What does advocacy mean to you, and why is it important in your community?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. How did the activities and role-playing help you understand the work of an advocate?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Applying What You've Learned

1. Can you think of a situation in your community where effective advocacy made a difference?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. What strategies discussed today do you think would be most effective if you wanted to address a local issue? Why?
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. How can you personally contribute to changes in your community, even in small ways?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Reflecting on the Process

1. What did you find most challenging about advocating for change, and how might you overcome these challenges in the future?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. In what ways did teamwork and collaboration enhance your approach to solving community issues?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Looking Forward

1. What new advocacy strategies would you be interested in learning more about?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. How can you use what you've learned today to inspire others in your community to take action?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Remember, advocacy is about using your voice to make a difference, and every perspective matters. Let's share our ideas and support each other as we continue to grow as change-makers!

Advocacy Adventure Challenge

This interactive game challenges you to become real-life advocates and work as a team to solve pressing community issues. In this game, you'll face scenarios that require you to brainstorm, strategize, and role-play your way to effective solutions.

Game Setup

1. Divide the class into teams of 4-5 students each.
   
   
   
2. Each team will receive one scenario card (detailed below) that describes a community challenge or issue in need of advocacy.
   
   
   
3. Each scenario will require creative problem-solving and quick decision-making. Get ready to put your advocacy skills to the test!

Scenarios

Below are sample scenarios that each team can work with. You can create additional scenarios or adjust these as needed:

Scenario 1: Cell Phone Usage Policy

• Situation: Many students feel that unrestricted cell phone usage during school hours is distracting and negatively impacts learning.
  
• Challenge: Develop a strategy to advocate for a balanced cell phone usage policy that minimizes distractions while recognizing the value of technology.
  
• Considerations: Identify key stakeholders such as students, teachers, and school administrators. Think about setting designated times for cell phone use.
  
  
  

Scenario 2: Time for Play

• Situation: Students have expressed that they do not get enough time for play and physical activity, impacting their well-being and social development.
  
• Challenge: Advocate for an increase in recess or free-play time during the school day.
  
• Considerations: Consider the benefits of play on learning, creativity, and health. Identify key stakeholders and propose feasible adjustments to the school schedule.
  
  
  

Scenario 3: Expanded Food Options During Snack

• Situation: The current snack options provided at school are limited, and many students desire a wider variety of healthy food choices.
  
• Challenge: Create a proposal that supports expanding the variety of snack options, ensuring that they are both nutritious and appealing to students.
  
• Considerations: Research nutritional guidelines, consider budget constraints, and explore partnerships with local food providers or community gardens.
  
  
  

Game Play

Phase 1: Scenario Analysis & Strategy (10 minutes)

• Objective: Understand the scenario and develop a comprehensive advocacy strategy.
  
  
  
• Instructions:
  • Read your scenario carefully as a team. Discuss key elements: What is the issue? Who is involved? Why does it matter?
    
  • Decide on roles for team members (e.g., spokesperson, strategist, note-taker, etc.).
    
  • Brainstorm at least three possible advocacy strategies to address the challenge. Write down your ideas on a shared sheet of paper.

Phase 2: Role-Play & Advocacy Pitch (8 minutes)

• Objective: Present your strategy using role-play and persuasive communication.
  
  
  
• Instructions:
  • Prepare a short role-play (approximately 3-4 minutes) that showcases your team's chosen strategy to address the scenario.
    
  • Make sure to include clear steps of what actions you'll take, who you'll engage, and why your plan is effective.
    
  • One team member should act as the spokesperson, presenting to the rest of the class or teacher.

Phase 3: Debrief & Reflection (7 minutes)

• Objective: Reflect on the advocacy strategies used, learn from each other, and consider improvements.
  
  
  
• Instructions:
  • After each team's presentation, engage in a class discussion. Consider these guiding questions:
    • What advocacy strategies were most compelling?
    • How well did the team communicate their plan?
    • What challenges did they face, and how could they be overcome?
      
      
      
  • Provide constructive feedback to each team to help improve future advocacy efforts.

Game Rules

1. Respect Everyone's Ideas: Ensure all team members have a chance to contribute and listen actively.
   
   
   
2. Stay On Topic: Focus on the scenario at hand. Use your discussion time wisely.
   
   
   
3. Be Creative: There is no one right answer. Innovative approaches are highly encouraged.
   
   
   
4. Time Management: Stick to the allotted times for each phase to ensure every team presents their ideas.

Materials Needed

• Scenario cards (use the scenarios provided above or create your own)
  
  
  
• Paper and markers for brainstorming
  
  
  
• Timer to keep track of each phase of the game

Objective & Takeaway

The goal of the Advocacy Adventure Challenge is to empower you with the skills to analyze issues, think critically, strategize, and communicate effectively. Use the challenge as an opportunity to test your advocacy abilities and learn from your peers. Together, you can make a difference!

Good luck, and let the adventure begin!