Sixteen-year-olds care about the future. They can be involved today by serving as a poll watcher, learning about the democratic process, discussing and advocating for issues, and (in some states) preregistering to vote.
This "Voting and Civic Participation" guide sparks dinnertime, classroom, or small-group conversations about democracy and acts of service and advocacy.
In this lesson, learners read primary documents that illustrate the motivations of the founding fathers of the United States related to philanthropy (government by the people, advocacy, civil rights, shared power).
Students explore the components of the Preamble of the U.S. Constitution and apply them to their own lives, with a particular emphasis on philanthropy.
Students identify key events in U.S. history and the magnitude of the Constitution in context, with a particular emphasis on philanthropy.
Students identify the components and rationale behind the Constitution, with a particular emphasis on philanthropy.
Students learn how the Constitution relates to rules and community roles. This lesson is designed for Citizenship/Constitution Day (September 17) and connects students to improving their community for the good of all.
The participants investigate the roles of historical and contemporary Latino philanthropists. They will look at the work of César Chávez and Dolores Huerta in the farm labor movement within the historical context of Latino activism in the United States.
We are made by history. In this activity, youth read the stories of philanthropic African Americans and influential related events that made America what it is today. Then they create a virtual Pop-Up Museum as an advocacy service project in which they tell stories of Black history and philanthropy.
In this lesson we learn the history of the Indigenous people who lived in our specific area. We learn that language matters, and there is a respectful way to talk about the heritage of a person who was first to live in an area.
Through analyzing a Ted Talk by Robin Wall Kimmerer, participants develop their understanding of what it means to respond with gratitude to the gifts from the Earth. Participants expand their awareness of the interdependent relationship between humans and nature.
Native Americans, or Indigenous People, are located geographically across the entire continent of North America. There are many stereotypes of native culture, but their culture varies as much as their locations, as each group of native peoples have their own traditions.
The purpose of this lesson is to examine the tradition of giving and sharing in Indigenous communities and to learn about philanthropy in other cultures.
The learners define and explain the importance of civic engagement and responsible citizenship. They explore the reasons why people may hesitate to become involved in solving problems and consider ways in which they can be "part of the solution" rather than a "part of the problem."
Learners explore what it means for responsible citizens to demonstrate civic virtues of justice, kindness, peace, generosity, and inclusion.
Young people learn about the variety of ways citizens can become active participants in the community: political parties, interest groups, voting, and providing public service.
We define civic virtue and give examples of ways to exhibit civic virtue for the common good.
Create a past, present, and future timeline of personal philanthropy.
As a group we define good citizenship, including the classic Roman concept of civic virtue (putting the common good above individual need).
In response to a picture book, each participant identifies their own unique qualities and shares them proudly on a star. They demonstrate respect and trust to share their qualities and pay attention to others' traits.
