Ex 6-15 Values and Tolerance

Ex 6-15: The “Line of Tension” Fishbowl & Perspective Switch

Focus: Experiencing the emotional discomfort of holding a strong value while physically and verbally practicing tolerance for a contrasting stance. [3, 4]
Group Size: 10 to 20 participants (scalable).
Materials Needed: Painter’s tape (to make a line on the floor) and scenario prompt cards.

Step-by-Step Flow (30 Minutes)

Phase 1: Setting the Stage (5 Minutes)
- Lay a straight piece of tape down the middle of the room. Designate one side as “Strongly Aligned” and the other as “Strongly Opposed” to a mild, non-toxic community scenario (e.g., “Our community center should prioritize funding for youth gaming spaces over quiet senior reading rooms”).
Phase 2: Taking a Stand (5 Minutes)
- Read the scenario aloud and have participants step to the side of the line that matches their gut reaction.
- Instruct them to look at who is standing across from them—recognizing that real neighbors sit on both sides of the line.
Phase 3: The Fishbowl Dialogue (12 Minutes)
- Invite two volunteers from opposite sides to step into the center circle (“fishbowl”).
- Each person has 90 seconds to articulate their core value behind their stance without interrupting, mocking, or generalizing the other side.
- The Twist: Before replying, each speaker must accurately summarize the other person’s core value to that person’s satisfaction.
Phase 4: Stepping Back Across (8 Minutes)
- Open the floor for a quick pulse check: “What shifted inside you when you had to repeat back a value you disagree with?”
- Close by reminding the group that tolerance does not mean abandoning your values; it means recognizing the humanity of the person holding a different set of priorities.

Expanded Scenario: The Oakwood Community Center Grant

You can read this prompt aloud during Phase 1 or print it on scenario cards for participants to review before stepping to the line.

The Situation: The Oakwood Community Center just received a one-time $50,000 grant to renovate its only remaining multi-purpose room. Because of the building’s layout and budget limits, the board must choose one primary use for the space.

Option A (Strongly Aligned): Convert the room into a high-tech Youth Gaming & Digital Hub. Local middle and high schoolers currently have few safe places to gather after school, and organizers believe esports and digital media programs will keep teens engaged, off the streets, and connected to peers.

Option B (Strongly Opposed): Convert the room into a Quiet Senior Reading & Wellness Lounge. Many older residents in the neighborhood live alone and rely on the center for peaceful daytime socialization, book clubs, and low-sensory relaxation away from noisy, crowded spaces.

The Prompt: “Our community center should prioritize funding for youth gaming spaces over quiet senior reading rooms.”

What Are Core Values?

Your Internal Compass: Core values are the deep, fundamental beliefs that guide how you make decisions and judge what is right or important.
The “Why” Behind Your Opinion: Opinions are what you think should happen (e.g., “Build the gaming room”). Core values are the reasons why it matters to you (e.g., “Protecting and investing in the next generation”).
Usually Positive: Most disagreements happen not because one side is “bad,” but because two good values are competing for limited resources.

Examples of Core Values in Action

Stewardship & Youth Development: Investing in young people today builds a stronger, safer community tomorrow.
Respect & Dignity for Elders: Honoring those who built the community by ensuring they have peaceful, accessible spaces.
Inclusivity & Connection: Making sure vulnerable or isolated groups are never left behind.
Fairness & Access: Distributing public resources to serve the greatest unmet need.

How to Spot Your Core Value (Quick Check)