During this workshop we will explore how to approach change-making and what strategies might lead to desired outcomes. Activities, combining elements of Theatre of the Oppressed and The Virtues Project, will promote skill building, self-confidence, empathy, and creativity. The goal of the workshop is to help participants of any age exercise qualities they already possess that lead to strong, caring, just, and creative communities anywhere they live, work, and learn – and to direct those qualities toward actions designed to clarify and solve problems related to their issues of concern. Recent workshops have focused on racism and exclusion, toxic conflict, communication patterns, and systemic pressures.
The exciting, interactive, and thoughtful examination of virtues – supported by boundary setting, courage, and critical examination – is enhanced by embodied exploration of often conflicting motivations and commitments, emotions, social pressures, and actions. The workshops use creative exploration and cooperative engagement to enhance individual and organizational power They foster empathy and support a liberatory learning environment, in which questions about and responses to issue-focused and systemic concerns can be developed and actively explored.