Develop Skills and Knowledge

In this activity, students use critical thinking to deconstruct an issue they care about. They identify a problem, explore the root causes and effects, and research who the experts are. This is a great way to build community, use creative expression, and come up with different approaches to the next best steps in the service-learning process. 

Civility is courtesy and politeness for others. It comes from the word "civis," which means citizen. We can teach civility and the skills of civil conversations to grow citizenship and action for the good of all.

Tips and resources about addressing challenging issues in the classroom. Follow these guidelines to establish a safe environment, promote respectful dialogue, back up arguments with facts, and talk about news and current events with students.

Help students identify credible sources, evaluate the role of media, recognize bias, and use critical-thinking related to current events and controversial topics.

In civil society, different people come together to form community. While differences may cause conflict, for the sake of the common good, we practice empathy and respect for others. Students respond to scenarios of differences in opinion. They learn to communicate respectfully with someone of a different opinion and to seek common ground or compromise. The lesson concludes with a service project in which the students create posters to teach these methods to the school or community. 

Identify community assets and potential partners in project planning. Students collect data in order to create a map of community assets and resources within a defined area. A community map highlights people, physical structures, organizations, and institutions that can be utilized to create a meaningful service project

These brief and engaging videos are great for the classroom, youth club, or grantmaking meeting to build understanding of philanthropy and the nonprofit sector. Each guide includes a 2-15 minute video clip, discussion questions, and a follow-up activity. Thanks to Dr. Salvatore Alaimo at GVSU for donating the clips from his feature length film, "What Is Philanthropy?"

This resource guide highlights activities you can do with your students to help them enhance their communication and listening skills.