Learning to Give, Philanthropy education resources that teach giving and civic engagement

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Lifelong Leadership:
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter
Lesson 10:
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Lesson
Handouts
Academic Standards
Philanthropy Framework
9th-12th Grade
Subjects:

Language Arts, Library / Technology, Philanthropy and Social Studies

Key Words/Concepts click to view
ELA: Reflection; Research; Technology
PHIL: Leadership; Nonprofit Organizations; Personal Wealth
SOC: 1 genOn; 10 genOn; Carter, Jimmy; Carter, Rosalynn; Citizenship/Civic Engagement; Civic Responsibility/Virtue; Good Character; Habitat for Humanity; Historical Biographies; Inquiry; Personal Virtue; Research; Values

Focus Question(s):

What are the social conditions under which an individual realizes his or her full potential as a leader who is willing to take private action for public good?

Purpose:

To enable students to recognize various roles that an individual leader can take throughout his life.

Duration:

One 50 Minute Class Period

Objectives:

The learner will:

  • be able to cite and identify various examples of the philanthropic work that Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter have done throughout their whole lives.
  • be able to compare and contrast their own philosophy about giving and serving with that of the Carter family.

Service Experience:

Although this lesson contains a service project example, decisions about service plans and implementation should be made by students, as age appropriate.

Students will make review the list of their own volunteer and philanthropic efforts over the past year and make projections about how they may make contributions to society throughout their lives.

Materials:

Instructional Procedure(s):

    Anticipatory Set:
    As president, Jimmy Carter had only four years to make an impact, but he was one of the most active former presidents in history. Does anyone know about his accomplishments as president? Does anyone know what he did after he left office? Let's take about 20 minutes to find out as much as we can about his life.
  • Students are divided into groups and asked to research via the Internet the following areas of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter's lives (one topic per group):
    • Their growing-up years and service in the military
    • The non-political years of their lives together
    • The years of service as governor of Georgia
    • The years of service as President
    • The Carter Center
    • The work for Habitat with Humanity
    • The peace initiatives in free elections in Panama and the Middle East.
  • This work is only meant to provide information — no more than 25 minutes should be devoted to the research. See Bibliographical References for research sites.
  • After each group has presented the various facts related to their subject, the class as a whole should make a list of the various leadership positions and roles that the Carters have taken.
  • Review how Habitat for Humanity works. They call on individuals and organizations to work together to provide quality housing in the community.
  • Explain that when a variety of different groups and individuals come together in the community for the common good, this is an example of community capital. It is "banked good will" that helps build trust between various groups within the community. Ask students to give other examples of how community capital is built within the community and/or school. How does this build trust within the community and help to eliminate the problem of factions working for their own benefit rather than the common good. Can this example work in other places?
  • As homework, each student should list three ways he or she would contribute to society after high school.
  • Immediately start on Lesson Eleven: Incorporating Leadership Into My Own Life the next day.

 

Assessment:

Combined with the next lesson.

School/Home Connection:

Students list three ways they would like to influence change or contribute to society after they graduate from high school.

Bibliographical References:

Lesson Developed By:

Kristine Grunwald
Williamston Community Schools
Williamston High School
Williamston, MI 48895

Handouts:

Philanthropy Framework:

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