TASKs for democracy

Area Strengths What happened? When?
What did you do? How?
Things I do well in terms
of trying to understand
other people better
Disagreeing with someone
Criticising somebody
Seeing someone hurt or insulted
Seeing someone is successful in
what they are doing
Seeing someone being
taken advantage of
Someone is less fortunate than
me
For example, did you ask
them about how things look
from their perspective?
For example, could you
see the situation from
their point of view?
For example, did you speak
to them to find out how
they think and feel?
For example, did you speak
out and act in their defence?
For example, are you
happy for them?
For example, do you try
to protect them?
For example, are you sensitive
to their needs?
Tips and potential difficulties
Draw attention to the resources and skills that participants already have and how they have already
been helpful.
Assure participants that they are of value. Resources and skills count.
Debriefing/reflecting
Reflect on what is already working well.
Note that it makes a big difference to describe yourself well and think about your empathetic skills
as already being used.
ACTIVITY 3 “HOT BUTTONS/HOT SPOTS” – 30 MINUTES
Resources
A sheet of A4 paper with a pre-drawn table to guide reflection
Pens and/or pencils
Practical arrangements
Participants need space and a stretch of quiet time to do this exercise.
Procedure
It is important to know what your sensitivities are. Are there any things that people can say or do which cause
you to feel or act in certain ways? Take a moment and reflect on some of the things which may be “hot buttons”
for you. Write down a description of each and the response it elicits from you.
TASKs for democracy Page 298