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) (1) To practice skills. Participants, by taking on various roles, learn how to behave in different sit- uations. They get an idea of what to expect and how to react in the best way (to obtain best results). Mistakes are teas likely tater on. Going into the streets, into unfamiliar surroundings an and new situationa without some training and understanding of the principles in- volved is as foolish as going into a ball game without knowing the signals or the rules. (2) To understand your opponent. By playing opponents' roles, the worker gets to fee] how the opponent thinks and feels. This will be of tremendous value in the real situation because the worker will be better abie to make judgements as to possible reactions ‘to various tactics. It is particularly important prior to conducting negotiations, because the negotiator will be prepared for some of the answers and arguments eh e ree thant danl = ae Ps ; ” am won bt Bruc,. Tactics DIAL WG IVA Loar ££. ah. « ion from the opposi istically with how the opponent actually thinks are more likely to develop this way. (3) To build up morale. By practicing a variety of situations together with the people with whom you'll be going into action, you'll get to know each other better, amd B.ntl a afi An what aanhk wmarmbhanr of tha ares Rd LAL up comiaente in Wilt SEC Tener UL Wie Bf up is likely to do under pressure. In the face of tremendous * dpeatility it fe crucial to bawe confidence in the other mem- bers of your group. The group, as it works together in 50 preparation for an action, builds up this confidence, or morale. (4) To get rid of tensions Everybody, particularly it ig important, But ina crisis situation tensions tend to build up and come out. the victim of segregation, has tensions. when in action, to keep tensions under control. People "crack" under strain and "blow wp." After a while, some begin to suffer the equivalent of "battle fatigue." Obviously this presents a real danger if it takes place in an actual situation. In the workshop, the opportunity is created to get rid of tensions before the action. Everybody has a chance to blow off steam in a harmless place. Frequently this happens when partic- ipants "let go" at other participants who are playing the mrembers of the (Joking and roles of opponents: police officers, white power structure, "Uncle Toms," etc, singing also help to do this.) (5) To make for more democracy. The workshop, by spreading skills to a larger number, helps to build up a bigger body of persons who are familiar with tech~ niques and skills of teadership (running 2 meeting, con- ducting negotiations, being a picket capiain, acting as a spokesman). Leadership is helped to move out from a single person to others, who, because of their know- how, will have to be brought into the decision-making process. If an organization lacks fuller participation only because there is little know-how, workshops can 51