Adam Institute unique group facilitation method was developed by Dr. Uki Maroshek-Klarman, the Academic Director of AI. The Betzavta Method – Transforming Conflicts into Dilemma (Betzavta = Together) comprises workshops and activities based on democratic values. Yet instead of merely teaching democratic values – the workshops raise questions based in democratic thinking while inviting participants to examine decision-making processes within the context of their own frame of reference.
Facilitators use activities and games to highlight the competing tendencies that exist within each of us, both for and against democratic principles – thus transforming an external conflict into an internal dilemma. Participants experience the need for a social contract, the importance of preserving minority rights, and the difficulties that arise when democratic rights conflict with each other. In addition, participants learn to understand their desires, needs, and rights as individuals and members of a group. The workshops draw upon each group’s dynamics to highlight basic democratic values such as equal rights, the right to be different, and more. Workshops enable participants to better express their opinions, develop flexible and creative thinking, and foster a sense of responsibility.
The Betzavta Method manual was published in Hebrew in 1989 and has since been translated into, Arabic, German, English and more. It has received great acclaim and is currently used by hundreds of facilitators and educators in a variety of formal and informal educational settings throughout Israel, Europe (primarily Germany), and other countries.
This is the Betzavta Method’s most basic course – “training for trainers.” During the 4-day seminar, participants learn to facilitate democracy education in their schools, institutions, and communities. The course highlights freedom as an equal right guaranteed to all individuals and groups, while also exploring and addressing the difficulties that arise when democratic rights conflict.
