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"I" on Philanthropy

Unit of 3 lessons

9th-12th Grade

Subjects:

Arts, Language Arts, Library / Technology, Philanthropy and Social Studies

Key Words/Concepts click to view

Lesson 1 :	ART:	Music: Analyze
	ELA:	Giving Tree (The); Brainstorming; Fiction Literature; Listening
	PHIL:	Character; Community; Self Interest; Selflessness; Volunteer
	SOC:	Nonprofit Organizations
Lesson 2 :	ELA:	Interview; Questioning; Viewpoint
	PHIL:	Donate; Service Learning
Lesson 3 :	ART:	Theater: Perform; Visual Arts: Create/Communicate
	ELA:	Fact/Opinion; Presentations; Reflection; Synthesizing
	PHIL:	Caring/Sharing; Reflection

Unit Overview:

High school students are in a constant struggle to find their own identities in the world. Actively participating in philanthropy alters one’s identity in a positive way. It is vital that high school students learn about philanthropy and the existence of the non-profit sector as they consider their futures and career choices. In this unit students will learn interviewing techniques in order to obtain information about the non-profit sector and the effect participation in philanthropy has on the interviewee’s identity. They will then use this information through academic service-learning to create a resource for the school library containing information about careers in the non-profit sector. The unit will conclude with reflection on philanthropy’s role in shaping self-identity.

Unit Purpose:

Students will create a resource for the school library that lists information about the non-profit agencies and philanthropic opportunities in their own community. They will use interviewing techniques in order to create this resource. Students will reflect on the concept of philanthropic involvement shaping self-identity.

Unit Objectives:

The learners will:

define philanthropy and non-profit sector and describe how philanthropy can shape one’s identity.
interview members of the non-profit sector using proper techniques.
list career and philanthropic opportunities available in the non-profit sector.
create a library resource on local non-profit agencies and institutions.
identify and evaluate the effect of philanthropy on one’s individual identity through reflection.

Service Experience:

Although lessons in this unit contain service project examples, decisions about service plans and implementation should be made by students, as age appropriate.

Students will create a bound resource, listing information about local non-profit agencies based on the interviews that they conduct. This resource will be donated to the school library.

Unit Assessment:

Students will be assessed through classroom discussion and questions in Lesson One: Connecting Philanthropy and Identity through Children’s Literature and Song. In Lesson Two: Academic Service-Learning: Creating the Philanthropy Resource, students will be assessed by completion of an information sheet for the resource guide and the inclusion of interview notes. In Lesson Three: Reflection on Philanthropy and Self-Concept, students will be evaluated by their self-evaluation through reflection in classroom presentations and by a rubric that the teacher scores.

School/Home Connection:

To Our Families:
Class Update for Our New Unit—“I” on Philanthropy
Throughout this unit, we will be participating in a project wherein students will be interviewing people who work in the non-profit sector. After the interviews, they will be creating a resource for other students that provides information about careers in this sector. Students will then reflect about how their involvement in philanthropic pursuits could affect their identity.
Interactive Family / Student Homework:
Although it is not required, in Lesson Two: Academic Service-Learning: Creating the Philanthropy Resource, students should be encouraged to work with their families on researching a non-profit organization. Volunteering in an agency or participating in the non-profit sector would be a great opportunity for families and students to spend time together.

Notes for Teaching:

This unit could work well for seniors who are considering entering the work force or for schools that require community service hours for graduation.
Teachers may want to create a presentation or celebration when giving the non-profit resource to the library. Students may be asked to publicize the resource so that other students in the school may benefit.
Teachers may consider incorporating a field trip to one or more non-profit organizations during or before the unit.
During Lesson Two: Academic Service-Learning: Creating the Philanthropy Resource, there is an empty week to give students time to interview.
Visit www.learningtogive.org (click on “Resource Room”) to access additional lessons, vocabulary and ideas.