IF is a set of forty-five playing cards. Each card presents a morally-loaded scenario with four variables designed to provoke thought and encourage discussion around boundaries and issues of consent. Ideal for tweens and teens, it can be effectively used with children of all ages and adults who wish to challenge their understanding of ethically appropriate behaviour.

An accessible and fun means to the development of a moral compass, IF fosters the reframing of the lens through which society and behaviour is viewed, creates an environment that can change a person's perspective on how to interact with others, and breaks down the barriers we've built around uncomfortable topics that need to be explored.

These cards will inspire people to consider how they should act in situations that, on the surface may seem simple, but actually challenge, often subtle, internalized convictions.

Each set of cards comes in a sturdy, easy-to-carry plastic case

and includes an eight-page instruction manual.

Dimensions: 2.5 x 3.5 inches.

Only $26.99

a 10% online discount off the regular price of $29.99

How to Use IF

Four ways to use the cards with a group.

Method One: In a small group of three to five people have one person randomly select a card and read the scenario and the first variable aloud. As a group, discuss the correctness of the described behaviour. Feel free to bring in other considerations that may affect how the scenario is viewed in terms of correct or incorrect behaviour. When the discussion exhausts itself, repeat the process with the second variable. Then repeat it with the third and, finally, the fourth. Once the scenario with all four variables has been thoroughly discussed, as a group comes to a consensus as to which (if any) of the four variables make the scenario ethically acceptable. Choose one, some, all or none of them, remembering that there is not necessarily a correct answer. Repeat the process with another card.

Method Two: Begin the same as in method one, but have the person with the card read the scenario and all four variables together and discuss them as a whole.

Method Three: In a small group of three to five people, have everyone in the group randomly selects a card and allow five minutes for everyone to consider their card and decide which (if any) of the variables are acceptable. Then, one at time, have each person read their card aloud and explain why they chose one, some, all, or none of the variables. After each person's explanation, as a group discuss any thoughts and considerations that arise before having the next person read their card. Continue until everyone has read their card and all discussion is exhausted. Repeat the process with different cards.

Method Four: As an ice-breaker at the beginning of a group, select a card from the deck and read it aloud. Invite each person in the group to briefly state their initial reaction to the scenario and the variables, including if they agreed with one, some, all or none of them.

The Aim of IF

How the cards change the way people think.

The aim of IF is to get people thinking critically about boundaries and consent, inspiring them to develop their ethical understanding of these issues, and encouraging them to learn how to come to a consensus. It is not meant to define right action or dictate correct behaviour. It is not about being right.

A group might agree a variable is correct even though it may be considered incorrect by current societal standards. This is alright. It may be correct given the group's personal, political, cultural or religious beliefs. Or, having explored the scenario, possible reconsideration of the correctness of the consensus (individually or as a group) may occur in the future.

IF assumes that people, given time, will arrive at a morally acceptable understanding of consent and boundaries provided their thinking is appropriately stimulated.

Incorporating a Facilitator

How to help a group get the most out of IF.

The younger a group's participants the more a facilitator is recommended. Even with older participants a facilitator is advisable, at least the first few times a group uses the cards.

The primary role of a facilitator is to encourage participation and ensure every participant has an opportunity to be heard. Similarly, the facilitator will suggest alternative understandings of the variables, provide perspectives the group has not considered, and keep discussions focused on boundaries and issues of consent. The facilitator is a guide and, as such, should be non-judgmental and strive to ask questions that lead participants to their own considerations and understanding of each scenario and its variables. The facilitator's personal biases and opinions should not be part of discussions.

Adapting IF

How to make the cards age and culturally appropriate.

Only half the scenarios involve sexual situations. This means IF can be made age and culturally appropriately by removing the cards deemed inappropriate for a specific group. And, while this could result in the removal of a significant number of cards, there will still be enough varied scenarios to make using the cards that remain an effective, stimulating learning tool.

Further, over time, as the group changes or matures, the cards that were removed can be reintroduced into the deck, thereby keeping IF fresh and expanding the participant's understanding of consent and boundaries to situations they may soon be experiencing themselves.

copyright © 2020 by Phlip Arima