Betzavta: An experiential, engaging way to teach democracy and conflict resolution
Betzavta-Adam Institute’s facilitation method
“Betzavta”, Hebrew for ‘together,’ is an experiential facilitation method that encourages participants to examine different ways of democratic decision-making. Workshops begin with a hands-on activity, game, or small-group discussion to spark a “conflictual” scenario that pulls people in different directions. After the experiential activity, participants reflect on the process that emerged, its connection to democratic rights, and the challenges that arise when rights collide.
Participants share their positions and listen to other perspectives; learning the legitimacy and merits of conflicting approaches puts them in a dilemma where they reckon with opposing views of feelings, thoughts and actions.
That “dilemma” mindset incentivizes participants to look beyond all-or-nothing solutions to generate creative solutions that benefit everyone, maximizing individual and group rights. A “Betzavta” facilitator helps participants understand their role in the group process.
This engaging, experiential learning is rooted in philosophy, sociology, social psychology—and fun. The “Betzavta” method is suited to all ages and learning backgrounds and easily adapted to address current events.
The “Betzavta” method’s base is in Israel, where its programs are taught in classrooms (K-12th), informal education, universities, centers and the private sector. In addition, there are several “Betzavta” communities in Germany and other cities in Europe as well as around the globe.
“Betzavta” Online Academy
In 2020, the Adam Institute established an international Online Academy, digital learning that offers the verve and vibrancy of an in-person classroom. People from around the world—Germany, England, Holland, Switzerland, South Korea, Italy, Australia, Ukraine to the USA and Canada—study together online, learning experientially about democracy and conflict resolution, feminism, environment, sustainability, racism, disability rights, the effects of war, and other topics.
Educational program and publications featuring “Betzavta”
The Adam Institute has also published a corpus of material rooted in “Betzavta”: 65 books, training manuals and curricula in Hebrew and Arabic, including some in English, German and Polish. Many of the texts were coauthored by Mr. Saber Rabi, the Adam Institute’s Director of Educational Programming in Arab Schools.
Interested in learning the “Betzavta” method? Reach out.
Bio of Dr. Uki Maroshek-Klarman
Dr. Uki Maroshek-Klarman is the Adam Institute for Democracy and Peace’s executive director and one of its founders. She created “Betzavta – Adam Institute’s facilitation method” to make democracy education accessible to all. The method offers engaging, experiential learning rooted in philosophy, sociology, social psychology—and fun. Dr. Maroshek-Klarman has developed numerous programs on democracy, civic and peace education and published books and articles. She has a doctorate in political philosophy from Tel Aviv University.
