How to Host Monthly Uplift Kids Group Lessons

One of the key points in Our Approach is to build relationships, and one way to do this is to meet with other families who are doing Uplift near you.

We’ve already heard from families who are organizing monthly Uplift group lessons where they live, which is something we encourage. (In fact, we’ve created a group lesson on finding your inner compass and a group lesson on emotions to this end — and we plan to offer many more.)

Here are a few suggested practices that may help you get started. Feel free to use any or all of these ideas.

Establish Objectives

Establishing a set of common objectives can help the group cohere together. Here are a few examples to consider:

Create a space where people of all ages can share heartfelt stories, experiences, and views on wellbeing together.
Nurture friendships of all ages together.
Leave feeling uplifted, with a stronger desire to align to your inner compass.

Volunteer for Roles

Having rotating roles each month can make the experience less burdensome for families.

Host: Opens their home or finds and schedules a place to meet (such as a park, a backyard, or a community center). Posts the details (time and place) for the group to see.
Treat: Brings a simple sweet or savory treat to share, along with any needed utensils or plates.
Facilitator: Prepares a lesson, including bringing any printouts, and facilitates the group discussion.

Ground Rules to Consider

Outlining a few shared rules can help people know what to expect and feel safe. Try these:

Respect a variety of beliefs and opinions. Avoid comments that are negative toward other organizations, including religions or political parties.
Use “I” statements when discussing your views. Say, “One story I like from the Christian tradition is…” or “A quote I like from Buddhism is…” or “In my experience, I…”
Allow people to decide how they want to participate. Anyone can say, “I’ll sit this activity out” or “no thanks” without being pressured into changing their mind.
Avoid unsolicited advice. If someone asks for help, feel free to offer it.

Once You’re Gathered

Invite families to sit in a circle. If families don’t know each other, invite them to briefly introduce themselves (no more than 60 seconds per family).

Where they live
Where the kids go to school
Where the parents are from
One thing each person does or enjoys (work or hobby)

Explain that you intend to create a space where people feel a greater desire to live aligned with their inner compass and be the person they truly want to be. As such, everyone is invited to share heartfelt stories and experiences together.

With that, proceed to the lesson. You might start with the inner compass group experience or the emotions group experience, and stay tuned for more group lessons available soon in the lesson library.

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What would you add? Let us know at info@upliftkids.org.

More than anything, we hope that families feel empowered to make the experience their own — making it a time where kids and grownups alike can share their views and stories about wellbeing.