Learn as a Responsible Citizen
There are two topics in this section. This information will help you discover the answer to the following questions:
- What is Conflict Resolution?
- What can I do to be active in my community?
We all find ourselves in situations that involve conflict at some point in our lives and we all manage conflict different. How we manage conflict is what really matters.
What Would You Do?
What strategies do you currently use when you find yourself in a situation of conflict? Do you have the strategies that you need? Have you ever been in a situation where you haven't been able to manage the conflict? Take part in our online discussion titled, “What would you do: Strategies We can All Use” to share your experiences and share some strategies with others.
Aggression vs Assertion
What's the difference between aggression and asserting yourself? Is fighting back the way to solve a conflict?
Test Yourself
Do you know what makes you angry? How do you deal with your anger? Play the game “Go Go Diego” at PBSkids.org that tests your anger management skills.
Act as a Responsible Citizen – Think Challenge #1
Through Our Eyes
Click here to watch the video, “Through Our Eyes” made by a group of youth in LOVE, Leave Out ViolencE.
After watching the video in groups or in the discussion room named “LOVE,” discuss your feeling about the video.
Consider the following questions:
- Why do you think these youth made the video?
- Is what they say true and important for youth in your school and neighbourhood?
- Is their message right? Should we always leave out the violence? Why?
Act as a Responsible Citizen – Think Challenge #2
Read the Novel Candle in the Wind by Maureen Wartski
After reading the novel go to the online discussion room called “Discussing Candle in the Wind” (requires D2L) or get together in discussion groups and talk about the book.
Use the Following Questions to Guide Your Discussions:
- How did you feel as you read the novel? Angry? Sad? Confused?
- Who could you empathize with? (understand their feelings)
- There was a great possibility for this situation to end violently. Why didn't it?
- Does this book have any message for our daily life? Has it changed or strengthened how you think about conflict and violence?
Respond to the Novel
On your own, or with a partner, tell others about the message of Candle in the Wind. Think about ways you can use images, words, sounds to get your point across. You might create a multimedia presentation, a poster, a webpage, or...? Whatever you do, make it your own!
Connecting to the Community
Being Active in the Community
A lot of youth become involved in dangerous or even criminal activities because they don't make wise use of their free time.
Watch the videos to find out about some fun affordable activities available through the City of Calgary!
Street Survival Guide
Where can people go in Calgary when they need help? Click here to find information about many of the services available in Calgary.
Kids Help Phone Website
Are you being bullied? Got questions about relationships? Family issues? Click here to go to the website of the Kids Help Phone.
On a Limited Budget?
View this video to find out how you and your family can get discounts to all recreational facilities in the City of Calgary!
Act as a Responsible Citizen – Think Challenge #3
Having Fun with Friends
Watch the interview below with Jody Nouwen, Recreational Specialist at Village Square Leisure Centre. Jody talks about the many programs and events available to youth at Village Square. After watching the interview either in a group, or in the online discussion room entitled “Having Fun with Friends,” discuss the following questions:
- Why is important for youth to have places to go to do fun activities together?
- Will youth being involved in activities like these help them avoid becoming involved in gangs or gang related activities?
With a partner or group prepare a multimedia presentation or a poster that presents youth with ideas for interesting, fun, safe activities they can do together. Try to find other activities for youth in your community to include in your presentation.
Act as a Responsible Citizen – Think Challenge #4
Volunteer: Help Others While Doing Something Fun!
Read this response to one of the Hipkids volunteer projects:
YWCA Mary Dover House: December’s project: Christmas decorations
“Yes, we did get a lot of rave reviews it was actually the highlight and subsequently we used the tree in a room that could host the Holiday (Christmas) celebration dinner, so it was like a normal dinner (at home) around the Christmas tree. They also saved all the ornaments to use again next year. The first time we have had such a festive holiday in the house and it was loved by all – thank you.” — Arlene Adamson, Director Fund Development and Communications, YWCA of Calgary
Click here to visit their site. Read about the monthly volunteer project. Have a discussion with your classmates about how you could be involved in the project and then contact HipKids to let them know about your idea.
After you have finished the project have another discussion as a class or in the “HipKids: My Feelings” discussion area and talk about the following questions:
- How did you feel about working on the project?
- Do you think your project was important? Will it make a difference to the group that receives your work? Why?
- Is it important to be involved in the community in this way?
- Did doing this volunteer activity help you? How?
Act as a Responsible Citizen – Think Challenge #5
What Creates a Good Community?
Think about the community in which you live. Is it a good place to live? Why or why not?
In partners or small groups create a presentation that tells others about your community. You can make a video, a multimedia presentation, a drama skit, or another type of presentation that your teacher approves. Your presenation should include:
- Things about your community that are good right now
- Things that could be done to make it better
- Things that you, your group, and your class can do to make it better
Suggested steps for creating your presentation:
- Take some time to go to the online discussion area called “My Community” and talk with others about the strenghts and weaknesses of your community.
- With your group decide how you are going to present your ideas.
- Work together to create your presentation.
- Present to your class.