This lesson focuses on two young Jewish survivors of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Nazi death camp.  As they return to their home town and the concentration camp, they each tell their story and explain why they were willing to return to such an emotionally devastating place. Their story is replete with examples of heroism and concern for others in the face of unspeakable sorrow. 

In this lesson, we learn about landfills and the global and local management of trash. 

Learners explore what it means for responsible citizens to demonstrate civic virtues of justice, kindness, peace, generosity, and inclusion. 

Youth identify motivations for giving and social action in the community. They compare research-based motivations of adults and youth. They write a persuasive call to action for an issue of their choice based on the motivations they learned. 

We are introduced to The Group of Seven, a group of artists whose intent was to establish a national identity, a sense of pride and an original style for Canada, inspired by the environment. This was a philanthropic endeavor for the common good of all. Participants create similar landscapes of their local community to inspire environmental stewardship.

Reviewing current political cartoons related to justice, equity, and racism, learners identify how language and humor act as a form of social action. They create their own cartoons or statement promoting or showing the damage of one of these themes.

Learners look at nonprofit mission statements and then create a personal mission statement related to the impact they want to make as responsible, engaged citizens. 

Focus Question: How does an individual use personal interests and strengths to impact the common good?

Youth analyze personal reasons for taking action and compare them to the researched motivations for giving. 

After reading about historical figures who have taken philanthropic action related to justice, youth write a narrative about a more recent (young) philanthropist who took action for social justice.