This character education mini-lesson is not intended to be a service learning lesson or to meet the K-12 Service-Learning Standards for Quality Practice. The character education units will be most effective when taught in conjunction with a student-designed service project that provides a real world setting in which students can develop and practice good character and leadership skills.  For ideas and suggestions for organizing service events go to generationon.org.

Anticipatory Set:

Write this quote on the display board: "I feel the capacity to care is the thing which gives life its deepest significance." --Pablo Casals (cellist)
Ask the students what they think motivates some celebrities to care deeply about a specific cause or issue and how this caring enriches their lives.

• Give the learners each a copy of Attachment One: Oprah Winfrey. Tell them to read the article and discuss the questions in small groups.
• Explain the concept of enlightened self-interest [to sacrifice time and resources to the benefit of the whole, which, in turn, benefits self; what is good for the community is good for me]. Ask the students if all small acts of kindness are also good for oneself. Discuss.
• As a whole group, brainstorm issues that are important in the community and world. As a prompt, ask the students what they would like to see improved by the time they are adults.
• As you review the brainstormed issues, have students reflect on whether something personal in their lives causes them to care about a certain issue. Some students may share their personal stories, or students may write about a connection in their character education journals.