Teens identify their roles and personal values, and analyze how their personal values and beliefs developed in connection to their community's values and beliefs. They discuss what decisions they can make through generosity and voice for the common good.
Based on researched information, participants write a bio-poem about a philanthropist.
From stories and examples, participants identify attributes, motivation, and impact of philanthropists.
Learners recognize the value of nonprofit organizations and identify how nonprofits meet citizen needs when government can't.
Learners will define government and describe a democratic republic with a Constitution. They identify the role of government at all levels - national, state, and local and talk about what young people can do to have a voice.
Learners are introduced to the concept of philanthropy, as giving time, talent, or treasure and taking action for the common good. They evaluate the role of philanthropy in the smooth functioning of government, and describe the role of families in shaping a democratic society.
The learners analyze examples from history of civic virtue and then select the characteristics they believe are most important for enduring citizen engagement.
As a group we define good citizenship, including the classic Roman concept of civic virtue (putting the common good above individual need).
This activity will help youth realize the ways that writing has served as an historical tool, and to understand that through writing individuals have captured and preserved history.
Youth will experience the pride of producing a finished book. They will realize the value of their contribution to the community. Finally, they will celebrate the hard work and efforts that made their project possible.