Security V. Freedom Simulation

Here is a Simulation I did with 40 kids and several councilors use it if you like it

The Year is 2033. Major terrorist attacks have become common occurrences around the world. Recently San Francisco, Colorado Springs and New York, all locations of U.S Military bases were hit by a major nuclear attack, they were destroyed. In facing this, the U.S has made plans to adopt the “Peace in Freedom act” as many other European nations have done to ensure their safety and freedom from further terrorist attacks. This act empowers the federal government to:

Place cameras wherever necessary.

Keep a detailed watch on all purchases commercial and domestic with a special watch on all importations whatsoever.

Hold a mass phone tapping system to be used on suspicion.

Have a say over what the media prints, reports and how they say it.

Publish a mandatory U.S Citizen Identification card

Mandate a household search and report

Act on any report of citizens with suspicious behavior.

A vote from all fifty states is circulating as federal officials move from state to state conducting the vote. Thus far, there has been a tie in the vote among the states. The vote of your state holds the final vote to whether the nation adopts the “Peace in Freedom act” or not. You are a Senator in the Utah State Senate you have been elected to get by your constituents to represent their voice and needs. Your task is to discuss the act and vote. After the vote, the United States will act immediately. The whole nation is watching.

Counselor instructions:

There will be a group of four to five students that you pick to represent the government. All the rest are representatives from their communities. The government reps will participate in the debate to explain the government actions and convince the community reps. The group will run through parli pro. The government reps will appoint a chair person from among themselves.

Counselors will have a pre-brief of 15-20 minutes to work with the separate groups and help them understand their role and help those who have never done this type of simulation understand some basic concepts of: power centers, debate, agendas, etc (whatever counselors feel group needs to be directed and supported). The counselors will be available for the entire simulation for the groups to get help from.

Half way through the simulation (or a third of the way, or whenever felt appropriate) the counselors will present a press-release to the government reps to share with the group.

“Government officials have received information that terrorists have united together in an alliance and are planning a mass attack on the states. The importance of what is happening here has awakened the attention of the enemy and created a target of this representative assembly.

The Government has spent the last five years creating safe zones where people will be safe from any bombing, etc. But in order to enter a safe zone the Government has stipulated that the “Peace in Freedom act” must be passed and signed by any entrants to insure their safety. This safe zone is being offered to all inhabitants of any likely target. We urge the representatives of this assembly to consider well your safety and your communities need of your example and continued public service.

The representative government officials must inform the government of your decision by ____ o’clock, in order to ensure time for evacuation before the bomb hits.”

Goals or agenda of the simulation:

To help students,

Gain an understanding of parliamentary procedures,

Recognize and understand freedom and their ability to affect freedom,

Feel a purpose or connection to their role in understanding government,

Have an opportunity to choose freedom in the face of fear.

These goals are for us to know and facilitate happening—but not for us to give the students directly. Call it the secret “counselor agenda”. Have fun! Freedom!