Activity 5: Take a stand

Objective:

• To evaluate the level of knowledge of the target audience

Target Group:

• Children and adults of all ages

Materials:

• Statements about AIDS (see the AIDS Myth or Fact Game, Activity 3)

Preparation:

• None necessary, though facilitator may want to make 2 signs that say "Agree" and "Disagree" and post them on either side of the room.

Directions:

• Facilitator explains:

Today you must take a stand. I will read statements and you must stand on the side of the room which best represents your view about the statement. We will start by lining up in the center of the room. When I read the statement you must move either to the "Agree" side or to the "Disagree" side. You may not stand in the middle.

• Facilitator reads the statement, participants move.

• Facilitator asks reasons why participants chose one side over the other, and explains which answer is correct and why.

• Repeat process with new statements.

Note:

• This exercise can be used as a springboard for more concentrated activities in areas where there is much misunderstanding or as an introduction for a discussion of AIDS.

Variation 1:

• Substitute "AIDS CAN BE TRANSMITTED" and "AIDS IS NOT TRANSMITTED" for Agree and Disagree and read statements of various transmission myths and facts.

Variation 2:

• Participants pick statements individually and move to appropriate side. The participant's choice is then discussed.