Students respond to literature about Martin Luther King, Jr. They examine his philosophy about serving and taking action and compare it to the philosophies of characters in books and a movie (some fiction, some nonfiction). They follow his model to promote the idea of doing good for others. Students learn that service and social action by one person can change the world. They learn about serial reciprocity and explore the issues of violence, prejudice, and racism.

This unit can be taught as grade specific using two lessons (Grade 9 - Lessons 1 & 2 , Grade 10 - Lessons 1 & 3, Grade 11 - Lessons 1 & 4, Grade 12 - Lessons 1 & 5). To extend the learning and service experiences, additional lesson can be used, as time allows.

The learner will:

• define service and social activism.
• explore and discuss the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his commitment to service.
• define serial reciprocity (paying it forward).
• view a movie or movie clips and discuss characters and concepts related to the impact of paying it forward.
• brainstorm and investigate social issues that they can address in their communities and world.
• take action through service and social activism.
• design and implement a campaign to raise awareness of a chosen issue of importance.
• read To Kill a Mockingbird, a story about racism and violence.
• organize and sponsor a rally for nonviolence.
• define advocacy as active verbal support for a cause or position.
• read Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl
• come to a consensus about an issue of interest to address through a letter-writing campaign.
• write a letter to a government representative.
• reflect on the impact of the service on self.
• read about Malcolm X’s life and work,
• organize and sponsor a forum on racism.