My favourite CISV memory was from an activity at my first CISV camp that allowed me to find my voice. The participants were waiting in the main room when the leaders came in wearing handkerchiefs over their mouths and baggy clothing. They set up 5 chairs in the middle of the room and told us that they were terrorists and would only allow 5 of us to live. It was a lottery for our lives. The first reaction was a rush for the chairs in typical 14 year old fashion and then once everyone calmed down we all sat and discussed what to do. It was incredible for me to not only watch, but actively participate in such an activity. While we knew that there was no real danger present, we spoke diplomatically and seriously. I had been quiet the entire camp, but when I saw that no one was taking charge I somehow fell into a leadership role that I will never forget and started leading the discussion. It was perhaps the first time in my life that I had felt so comfortable taking charge of such a large group doing something that we felt important. We ended up choosing five people and ending the activity peacefully, understanding that we would react entirely differently if the situation were to happen in real life, but happy that we came to a conclusion. CISV isn’t about finding answers. It’s about asking more questions and discovering yourself. I did not see a room full of kids from around the world during the discussion, I saw my friends whom I had grown to know and love over the past two weeks. I don’t remember who made it on the chairs and I don’t remember what country they are from. What I remember is that afterwards we all hugged, then got ready for bed and sang songs (CISV style).
Woah I nvr read this post.
ReplyDeleteCISV sounds pretty cool... I've nvr thought abt how I wuld react if I was in that situation. This morning I watched a Youtube vid abt gun control in the States and looked at Canada a whole lot differently. When I walk down the street, I nvr even think that someone else wuld carry a concealed gun... I've been living in this bubble where everyone is unarmed but in reality it's easy for someone to get their hands on a gun. It really changed my perspective. So did this post.
Also.. I found it funny that I'm following your blog... twice??? LOL. I'm ur 1st & 2nd follower! hahah
Also Vrindy ur too sweet <3
Well, a simulation, especially such a calm one, doesn't really tell you much of anything about how you would react, but it was a good activity. Plus I love CISV.. that's why I'm always trying to tell you to come :)
ReplyDeleteWell Canada is full of guns too, we just have different laws surrounding them. There are a lot of unsafe places in Canada. So, you're right it is a bubble that may not be as clear as we think it is.
How did this post change your perspective? ;)
hahaha.. First, second, and only, right? ;P