George H.W. Bush and Points of Light

Unit of 4 Lessons
Grade Levels: 
9
10
11
12
Subjects: 
Language Arts
Media / Technology
Philanthropy
Social Studies
Focus Question 

Enduring Understanding: Students identify George H. W. Bush as the father of the modern service movement and identify philanthropy and the civil society sector as part of the fabric of the U.S. and democracy. 

Unit Overview 

Students explore the legacy of George H. W. Bush and how he contributed to the common good as part of his lifelong commitment to service and through his Points of Light initiative. They compare and contrast the four economic sectors and how they meet needs differently. They write a persuasive piece about government philanthropy. They trace the impact of Bush's points of light speech through one organization and advocate for an issue that contributes to the common good.

Service Experience 
Students write a tribute to someone who models civic action for the common good and perform the tribute on the online Tribute Wall at Points of Light Institute. They write a persuasive speech to advocate for or against government philanthropy. Students fill out a personal pledge to take civic action for the common good.
Lessons in This Unit 
Unit: 
George H.W. Bush and Points of Light
Lesson 1 of 4
Grades: 
9
10
11
12

Students explore the legacy of George H. W. Bush and how he has contributed to the common good as part of his lifelong commitment to service and through his Points of Light initiative. The students work in small groups to answer questions and present to the class for discussion. Each student writes a tribute to someone he or she knows who inspires civic action.

Unit: 
George H.W. Bush and Points of Light
Lesson 2 of 4
Grades: 
9
10
11
12

Students define and give examples of government philanthropy. They compare and contrast the four economic sectors. Small groups research a historical example of government philanthropy or civic action and write a persuasive piece to advocate for an issue related to government philanthropy.