Learners examine the statistics of voter turnout in the Federal Elections and from these statistics the learners draw some comparative conclusions.

Raise awareness of the importance of freedom of speech and the opportunity to voice one's opinion without fear of reprisal, as principles basic to a democracy. The learners investigate ways to have a positive influence in encouraging eligible voters to make their voices heard at the polls during elections.  

Young people identify an animal welfare organization to research, and then develop a plan to help persuade others to take up the cause(s) of this group using an advocacy type of their choice.

Young people identify several advocacy strategies and draw conclusions as to their effectiveness. They research efforts in past advocacy campaigns to learn about people, styles, and effectiveness. 

Learners identify ways to use advocacy to promote change.

Discuss and evaluate personal beliefs and attitudes about the treatment of animals, especially applied to sports and entertainment. We explore how laws and beliefs concerning animal welfare affect personal responses to animal treatment. 

Participants explore how animals are used in sports and entertainment. They explore the concepts of animal welfare and animal cruelty. The learners articulate personal opinions concerning the use of animals for human entertainment.

The lesson provides learners with an opportunity to explore ways to become a hero for animals by promoting animal welfare and humane treatment of animals.  Learners identify a local, state, national or international animal welfare cause and develop a personal service/advocacy plan, using the rational approach to problem solving.  They implement the plan, and share the results of their service/advocacy with their peers and/or the community.

The purpose of this lesson is to identify what it means to be a true hero.  The learners will explore character traits of heroes and apply this information to understand why individuals, or organizations might be considered heroes for animal welfare and humane treatment.