Exercise #1: problem solving / use in connection with activity #4.

Using the problem solver information on page 15, ask the group to brainstorm solutions to the problems pointed out in Activity #2 (page 12). You may want to divide the class into groups and have each group work on two or three of the problems. Ask the groups to present their answers to the class. It would be helpful if the answers were written on flip chart paper so they could later be put on the wall for future reference. If you prefer, ask the group to generate their own list of problems to solve as part of this activity.

Message: most problems can be solved by creative thinking. Teamwork can often lead to new perspectives.

Exercise #2: positive attitudes - use after section one has been completed

Divide the class into groups and distribute all three of the following case studies to each group. Ask the groups to analyse each case, identifying the problem attitudes. Have them offer new, more positive perspectives on these situations. Ask each group to present their answers to the class.

Raoul is depressed because he has been looking for a job for a very long time without much success. He is ready to give up on the whole thing because he believes that "there are no jobs out there." Besides this, he is busy going through divorce proceedings, and that is his first priority so that he can get his life "back on track." He thinks that if he waits until he is officially divorced there will be more jobs out there.

Carol was actively looking for work for two months, but had no luck. She doesn't have a grade 12 diploma, so she concluded that "no one will hire me" because of her lack of education. She has become quite angry and blames society for judging her unfairly. Deep inside, however, she blames herself. She feels that she really isn't smart enough to get a good job. Her anger is slowly turning into depression. The last time Carol fell into a slump it took her a year to pull out of it. She is so overwhelmed that she can't even bear to think about job searching.

Ivan goes to the employment centre three afternoons per week to check the job bank. Sometimes, he'll check out the newspapers as well. He's been doing this for six months now and has concluded that "I've tried everything...it doesn't work." He has seen some minimum wage jobs advertised on occasion, but he won't apply for them because they wouldn't give him much more money that he receives from "welfare." Ivan is wondering whether there's any point to job searching.

Message: people often get into a rut and lose hope of making any positive changes to their lives. Viewed from the outside, however, there are usually solutions within reach. When you find yourself losing hope, turn to your support network for encouragement and new ideas.