Often taught through the social studies curriculum, civic education introduces students to core democratic values and examines what it means to be responsible citizens. To be civic minded is to be philanthropic.

There are several organizations dedicated to the promotion of civic education. Two popular resources include the Center for Civic Education and CIVNET. Each develops materials for educators and practitioners to use in classroom settings for the purpose of teaching civics education.

Many resources on this subject can be found on the Learning to Give web site, as well. There are Briefing Papers written on the subject, located in the Resources Room under "Briefing Papers." A sampling of civics-related topics includes Civic Responsibility, Civic Skills, Civic Virtue, and Individual Rights and Community Responsibilities.

The LTG Web site also has numerous lessons on the subject. Lessons can be easily found by searching keywords like Core Democratic Values, Civic Virtue and Civil Society, to name a few.

One in particular, "At the Core of Philanthropy—Democratic Values" is a 6-8 unit has the learner make the connection that citizens are motivated by democratic values, which, in turn, encourage them to act philanthropically.

Read the Unit Purpose of this grade 6-8 unit:

This unit begins with the learner examining personal beliefs and the basis for their actions. This is the connection to understanding that the Core Democratic Values are fundamental civic beliefs, which inspire philanthropic action. Students will develop descriptions and create posters of eight Core Democratic Values. They will also research contemporary examples of individuals acting to enhance Core Democratic Values. While reflecting upon the historical perspective and context of World War II, students will view a video as well as participate in role plays regarding the enhancement or violation of Core Democratic Values. Finally, students will use what they have learned about the Japanese Internment to examine Core Democratic Values during World War II as they compose and articulate their thoughts in an essay format.

http://www.learningtogive.org/lessons/unit8/