This lesson illustrates the value of art and artists to a community and shows that art is maintained through philanthropy.

In this lesson, young people learn the difference between private and public resources and identify areas that are called commons. They discuss whose responsibility it is to take care of those areas and how they are managed.

The song "This Land Is Your Land" describes many places in the United States in order to call out our wonderful shared places. Young people understand that a country is made up of people living in the same place and working together to keep the place wonderful for everyone. Nonprofits are found all over the country to make sure all people get their needs met.

Introduce the folksinger Woody Guthrie and his legendary song This Land Is Your Land. His songs were written for everyone to get involved in their community. Learners understand that it is the responsibility of everyone to help take care of each other and the Earth.

We define community as "coming together with a common purpose" and brainstorm communities we are part of: classroom, sports team, interest and faith groups, and neighborhood.  We reflect on how philanthropy and trust affect the common good of the community.

The purpose of this lesson is to demonstrate that being in a group (or community) requires cooperation, working together, getting along, and resolving conflicts. The activity enables the children to accomplish this while having fun at the same time.

To guide children to understand that being in a group requires working together, getting along, resolving conflicts, and having fun together.

Learners identify and investigate local and national nonprofit organizations by researching their histories, services, and target populations, as well as job opportunities using the Idealist.org web site.

Learners explore the variety of job opportunities available in the nonprofit sector, many of which may use their skills and interests. In the nonprofit sector, the work is meaningful because it focuses on a mission to make change for the better. 

Young people identify local nonprofit organizations through the Idealist.org website. They describe what the nonprofits do for the community and how people can help with their mission.