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Strand PHIL.I Definitions of Philanthropy
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Standard DP 01. Define Philanthropy
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Benchmark MS.1 Define philanthropy as individuals and organizations providing their time, talent, and/or treasures intended for the common good throughout history and around the world. Give examples.
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Benchmark HS.1 Define philanthropy to include giving and sharing; volunteering; and private individual action intended for the common good. Explain how a volunteer individual/group can act for the common good.
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Strand PHIL.II Philanthropy and Civil Society
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Standard PCS 01. Self, citizenship, and society
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Benchmark HS.4 Describe and give examples of characteristics of someone who helps others.
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Benchmark MS.4 Describe the characteristics of someone who helps others.
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Strand PHIL.III Philanthropy and the Individual
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Standard PI 01. Reasons for Individual Philanthropy
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Benchmark HS.4 Cite historical examples of citizen actions that affected the common good.
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Youth Activity: Participants will re-examine the definition of philanthropy and recognize philanthropic traits. They will begin to understand philanthropy and see themselves as philanthropists. Participants will begin to see themselves in a “new light” and reflect on how they may want to give of their time, talent, and treasure. They will become aware of others in the community who are philanthropists.
- understand the definition of philanthropy and its associated behaviors.
- understand that everyone (including them) can be philanthropists.
- reflect on their ideas of what a philanthropist is and individuals they know in the community who fit the description.
- handout "Just Who Is a Philanthropist"
- local online newspaper
Participants may talk to their family and friends about a cause or organization they have supported over time and why they support it. Participants reflect on an issue or organization for which they would like to give their time, talent, and treasure.
- Review and discuss the following definitions of philanthropy and the behaviors associated with philanthropy:
- Giving, serving and private citizen action intended for the common good
- Thoughtful, intentional and ongoing giving of one’s time, talent and treasure for the common good
- The facilitator introduces the activity by explaining that very few people call themselves “philanthropists” but many people practice philanthropy. After completing this module, it is hoped that participants begin to see themselves in this role and be proud to call themselves “a philanthropist.” There are lots of reasons why people don’t use this word:
- hard to pronounce,
- sounds like you are bragging,
- only associate the word with certain individuals - people who give a great deal of money to good causes who are no longer living.
- The session will make this word and role come alive for you and help you pass it on to others.
The facilitator passes out the worksheet: Just Who Is a Philanthropist? Participants fill out the worksheets individually, thinking about good causes in their own communities. They may consider schools, parks, neighborhood associations, faith-based organizations, etc.
- They set aside their handout.
- Working in small groups at a computer, participants find newspaper stories about philanthropy/philanthropists. They summarize a story to report back to the full group.
- As participants report, they respond to these questions:
- What was the name of the person?
- What characteristics does this person have that made your group decide he/she was a philanthropist?
- Where and how did this person spend their time, talent, and treasure?
- What did you learn about yourself and others in this activity?
- What other words describe the actions of philanthropy to add to our list?
- Each of the people we read about has selected at least one special cause or organization to support. Think of a cause, or organization you currently support or one you might consider supporting.