Strand
PHIL.II
Philanthropy and Civil Society
Index: 
2
Code: 
PCS

We learn how different groups coming together for the good of all established the Mayflower Compact. This brief agreement was the first document of its kind designed to bring a community together to focus on the common good. This may be a model for a group agreement written by the participants.

Participants research leaders who used the nonprofit sector as an alternative power structure to make positive changes in society. They will identify the Core Democratic Values that each leader focused on.

Young people demonstrate that gifts do not need to be purchased with money. The best gifts are things we do with our time and talent for someone else. They brainstorm "kindness" types of gifts, such as a service or a homemade creation. They make a gift of kindness certificates. 

Giving homemade blankets to help people who are homeless or young people in the hospital is a form of philanthropy (giving treasure). What is the best way to donate? Using a decision-making model, the young people compare blanket projects and determine whether they have the time, talent, and treasure to help fill a need. They determine what their opportunity cost will be to participate in the project. Finally they will vote for the project of their choice.

After researching the life and work of a chosen philanthropist from history, the learner takes on the role of that philanthropist in writing a letter back to the learner. In this letter, the philanthropist shares their motivations and feelings about their work, and compares and contrasts their work with the philanthropic work of the learner. 

Pages