Who’s got Power?
Brief Description
Students will watch the film “Sister Act” and then discuss how Sister Mary Clarence was a
change agent.
Purpose
• For students to learn that they all have power in group situations and organizations, even
when they don’t realize it.
Leadership Emory Tenant
Ethical Engagement and Citizenship
Kolb Cycle
Reflective Observation
Number of Participants
Any size group. Movie is PG, which is suitable for all ages
Time Requirements
1 hour and 40 minutes (if you choose to show the whole movie)
Space requirements
None
Materials
Sister Act I DVD (1992)
Outline
There are two options for this activity.
1. Show the entire movie and then process.
2. Show snippets of the movie that emphasize when Sister Mary Clarence was making
changes and follow with discussion questions. (ie. When she started to direct the choir.
When she convinced all the sisters to work on the park outside the convent, etc.)
Processing Questions:
• What type of power did Sister Mary Clarence have?
• Was Sister Mary Clarence aware of her power?
• How did she use her power once she discovered it?
• How did Sister Mary Clarence gain others support? How did she encourage others?
• What can you learn from Sister Mary Clarence?
Alternate Movies
Check out some of the following website for other movies suitable for the nature of the group.
http://leadership.au.af.mil/sls-tool.htm
http://www.drurywriting.com/david/06-LeadershipMovies.htm
http://www.casaaleadership.ca/res-movies.html
http://www.n2growth.com/blog/top-leadership-movies/
Keywords
Power, empowerment, film
Source
Wagner, W., Ostick, D. T., & Komives, S. R. (2007). Leadership for a Better World:
Understanding the Social Change Model of Leadership Development Instructor’s Manual. San
Francisco: Jossey-Bass.