CROSS THE LINE

1. Set the tone of the evening by singing or reflecting
2. Introduce the activity and its purpose
   1. Giving others the chance to share
   2. Being vulnerable/ opening up
   3. Accepting where we are at right NOW
   4. Letting things go
   5. This activity is a place of non-judgement
3. Read a list of statements and allow participants to step into the circle (ideally with a campfire in the middle) if they can relate to the statement in any way
   1. Variations: step closer or farther the more or less it relates
   2. Have your first statement be about your willingness to participate, ie. cross the line if you are willing to fully participate, support each other, and keep everything that is shared confidential. Give participants a chance to make this step. This is an extremely necessary step for the success of the activity
4. Once participants “cross the line” give them space to share
   1. Try not to respond to people’s stories/experiences
   2. Feel free to reach out a hug someone etc. who may need it
   3. Allow enough time for people to share..be comfortable with the silence
5. Encourage those who are not sharing, to share
6. Close activity with group hug/song/prayer/encouraging words
   1. Reiterate the importance of confidentiality, acceptance, and non-judgement
   2. This activity is a chance for participants to leave a painful experience behind

Sample points:

(Keep them relatively broad, gauge age-appropriate points, also consider your audience – coed or not)

-Cross the line if you have difficulty communicating with your parents

-Cross the line if you have experienced something painful this year

-Cross the line if you’ve felt peer pressured

-Cross the line if you’ve done something you regret

-Cross the line if you are holding onto something that needs to be let go

-Cross the line if you are having difficulty with self-image/body image/self-esteem

Submitted by Tamami Okano and the Worcester Youth Ministry