Today is officially known as Mandela Day, in honor of South African leader Nelson Mandela’s birthday, and it marks the official launch of the #ShareUbuntu campaign.
Last week, we shared Play for Peace trainer Lolo Evans’ new campaign to invite people to turn toward each other through her #ShareUbuntu campaign. Today is officially known as Mandela Day, in honor of South African leader Nelson Mandela’s birthday, and it marks the official launch of this campaign. We are inviting our Play for Peace members and Clubs to facilitate #ShareUbuntu Circles, which involves just a brief length of time and can be done with three or more people. It involves a well-loved Play for Peace game called "Finger Catch." To help convey the meaning of Ubuntu and to show us all how to facilitate a #ShareUbuntu circle, Lolo is sharing a great video with us! Anyone can participate in the #ShareUbuntu campaign! Lolo has provided step-by-step instructions below. For trainers, mentors, and youth facilitators in our Clubs, this is a great activity that could be added either at the beginning or the end of a Practice Peace Session. However you may decide to participate, Lolo is inviting us to post photos or videos of your Share Ubuntu Circle to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, with the hashtag #ShareUbuntu and tag the campaign @ShareUbuntu.
How to facilitate a #ShareUbuntu Circle
(Ubuntu is pronounced “oo-boon-too”)
Step 1: Invite 2 or more people to form a #ShareUbuntu Circle by getting into a circle facing each other. Ask the group to repeat after you: “Ubuntu means I am because we are.”
Step 2: Have each person place their left-hand palm up to their left side, and their right index finger pointing in the air.
Step 3: Ask each person to place their right index finger into the palm of the person to their right.
Step 4: Explain that when you say the word “SHARE” each person will try to close their left hand to catch the finger in their palm and at the same time try to raise their right finger as fast as they can without being caught. Remember to reset to the original hand position after each round with palms flat.
Here is a sample script you can use to play: “The goal of ShareUbuntu is to challenge behaviors of separation, isolation, and loneliness by inspiring people to turn towards each other and share moments of playful togetherness. When we share experiences it helps us feel a part of the community. We are designed to show appreciation and express empathy together. When you share, it helps you feel and shape trust so that you can build relationships and transform communities. We need each other. I am because we are; a person is a person through other people. Share You can let other people in the circle speak a few sentences using the same special word “Share” for the group action, too.
Step 5: Take a photo or video of your group in the #ShareUbuntu Circle and share it on social media with the hashtag #ShareUbuntu. Tag three other people and ask them to #ShareUbuntu with the same steps.
