Teens identify their roles and personal values, and analyze how their personal values and beliefs developed in connection to their community's values and beliefs. They discuss what decisions they can make through generosity and voice for the common good.
Based on researched information, participants write a bio-poem about a philanthropist.
From stories and examples, participants identify attributes, motivation, and impact of philanthropists.
Using Guidestar as a source, young people identify three nonprofits and their mission statements.
Learners are introduced to the concept of philanthropy, as giving time, talent, or treasure and taking action for the common good. They evaluate the role of philanthropy in the smooth functioning of government, and describe the role of families in shaping a democratic society.
In this activity that follows the model of the story of Stone Soup, we learn about a mindset that says "yes we can" rather than looking at what we don't have. We cooperate to solve a problem for the good of all.
Young people demonstrate that differences can be discussed and worked through kindly and playfully. When we disagree, curiosity and creativity can help us talk openly. Conflict isn't comfortable, but we have the curiosity and skills to get through.
Young people envision what they would like their shared space or classroom to look like, feel like, and sound like in order for it to be a safe, fair, and fun learning environment. They come to a consensus about what behaviors lead to this goal.
The learners analyze examples from history of civic virtue and then select the characteristics they believe are most important for enduring citizen engagement.
As a group we define good citizenship, including the classic Roman concept of civic virtue (putting the common good above individual need).