In response to Martin Luther King, Jr.'s challenge, we explore what it means to be the best with the talents you have. The learners practice listening and responding with respect. Everyone has something to give, and this lesson helps us respect and celebrate the contributions we all can make to peaceful and inclusive communities. Students internalize "I matter in my communities." 

Conflict happens in many situations and knowing the proper means to communicate and resolve issues can mitigate many problems. This lesson helps youth evaluate the roots of conflicts and methods on how to resolve conflict with respect.  

Learners use visual literacy skills to analyze the components and message of an image. The students identify issues that are meaningful to them and create a simple image/message and then design a social media campaign to advocate for their issue. 

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. We use literature to talk about how people from different perspectives see the same thing. We discuss how to communicate respectfully with someone of a different opinion and to seek common ground or compromise. The service project is to create posters that bring people together. 

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 two-session lesson plan, students are introduced to the VING video project. They have the opportunity to create a brief video as an application to award someone they admire $1,000 as a needed boost. This lesson guides discussion of why and how to take action for the good of someone in the community. A lesson in mini-grantmaking with a powerful impact on students and community. 

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.

Students learn about the power of collaboration, especially in the world of philanthropy. They will discuss: Why would someone want to work with others? What skills and attributes does it require to be a servant leader?

In this lesson, learners explore and address the following questions: Who are the minority voices of the past and how has the civil society sector stepped in to protect their rights? What actions were effective? What public policies are in place to protect them? Who are the bullied today and what policies and practices should be in place to protect them? Why is it our responsibility as people with civic virtue to take action?