Youth Make a Difference!

Youth Make a Difference!

Learning to Give equips young people of all ages with philanthropy tools and knowledge as they discover what they care about and take action with their time, talent, and treasure. 

Civic Learning Skills

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Civic Learning Skills

Civic engagement isn't just about voting. Participation through community-building, service, advocacy, and social action are necessary to maintaining a democratic society. At its simplest, “civics” is about community—how we live and work together.

Involving children and teens in decision-making, dialogue, and critical thinking are the building blocks of philanthropic and civic learning. 

Currently Featured

  • Unit: 
    What's My Civic Responsibility?
    Grades 
    9
    10
    11
    12

    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." 

  • Unit: 
    Art as Advocacy
    Grades 
    9
    10
    11
    12

    The learners view works of art that advocate for social change and find that art can influence social change. The learners select an issue of human rights and create a work of art that represents the issue. They write a paragraph of explanation about their work.

  • Unit: 
    Encouraging Community Engagement
    Grades 
    9
    10
    11
    12

    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. 

  • Unit: 
    Community Philanthropy
    Grades 
    3
    4
    5

    Create a past, present, and future timeline of personal philanthropy. 

  • Unit: 
    Community Philanthropy
    Grades 
    3
    4
    5

    We define civic virtue and give examples of ways to exhibit civic virtue for the common good. 

  • Unit: 
    Rights and Responsibilities
    Grades 
    6
    7
    8

    We examine the authority to act, whether the authority comes from self or government. This lesson looks at our rights and responsibilities in the founding documents of our country. We discuss the purposes of the Constitution, Preamble to the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.

  • Unit: 
    Exploring the Timeline of US Philanthropy
    Grades 
    6
    7
    8
    9
    10
    11
    12

    The Free Breakfast for Children Program of the 1960s exemplified mutual aid and differed from traditional charity while still being a form of philanthropy.

  • Unit: 
    TeachOne: King's Words of Challenge
    Grades 
    K
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5

    Learners make a talent chain for the group. This is a representation of the many strengths and talents each learner brings, making the whole group strong.

  • Unit: 
    Grow Involved 9-12
    Grades 
    9
    10
    11
    12

    Young people discuss the need for and examples of nonviolent conflict resolution. They promote the idea of taking action for change by organizing a rally for nonviolence. 

  • Unit: 
    Grow Involved 6-8
    Grades 
    6
    7
    8

    Young people will compare and contrast the philosophies and work of Dr. King and Gandhi. They will determine a service they can provide to promote peace and nonviolence.

  • Unit: 
    Character Education: Fairness (Grade 8)
    Grades 
    6
    7
    8

    Learners compare the meaning of justice with fairness and distinguish the meanings of fair, just, equal, and equitable. They write a definition for each term and display it on the wall for the duration of the unit.

  • Unit: 
    My Country, My Community
    Grades 
    9
    10
    11
    12

    In a persuasive essay, learners describe the responsibilities of American citizenship and the cost of freedom. They connect how philanthropic action is a part of those costs. “Freedom isn’t free. It passes on an enormous debt to the recipient.”

  • Unit: 
    Challenging Social Boundaries
    Grades 
    9
    10
    11
    12

    From history we know that working in community (not on our own) is the best way to make change. Young people explore the work of nonprofits related to equity and social justice. 

EVERYONE has something to give!

EVERYONE has something to give!
guide youth philanthropy
empower civic engagement
nurture trust and belonging