Students write to pen pals in a different community and discuss ideas related to a service project. For example, the pen pals may plan and monitor a canned-good donation project.

An activity and picture book discussion illustrate the tendency for people to see differences as a reason to fight. As we see in political divisions, society can be torn apart by factions. Differences provide an opportunity to be curious about someone else. Factions may also have a positive side when like-minded people collaborate to accomplish something difficult. 

Read and compare a variety of literature to explore motivations and impact of young people taking action and helping others. We recognize that we all have time, treasures and/or talents to share.

Using provided evaluation or reflection forms, share details about the service and its impact. A demonstration to an interested audience is a great way to show details of the need and service and celebrate relationships and impact. 

Together, the participants write a grant proposal to request funds to complete an identified service project.

A youth from a Community Foundation Youth Advisory Committee speaks to the group about the program, their duties, and the process of applying for a grant to do service work.

The group reviews the list of issues and ways to take action, including those gathered with their families. They narrow the list through consensus. They invite a local Community Foundation Youth Advisory Committee member to talk about their work and grant process.

This lesson is a celebration to culminate this intergenerational project. The children make a final visit to the senior center or retirement home where all the participants gather for a snack and a farewell celebration. The children read aloud and give their published Living History Books to their senior friends. They debrief the entire project through journal entries.