Get to the Root
Keywords:
Nonprofit Organization
Problem Solving
Service Learning
Social/Cultural Issues
YGFGfocus
In this activity, participants use critical thinking to deconstruct an issue they care about. They identify a problem, explore the root causes and effects, and research who the experts are. This is a great way to build community, use creative expression, and come up with different approaches to the next best steps in the service-learning process.
Get to the Root is a divergent thinking activity that broadens participants' thinking about the elements of a problem and where the experts are locally. It's also a great opportunity to use respectful language and generous listening as they work together in small groups, honoring all contributions and expanding on one anothers' ideas.
Materials:
- Chart paper and markers for each group
- Internet access to look up resources
Activity:
- Work in small groups.
- First, the group decides what problem they want to talk about. A problem describes what is wrong in the community, rather than the desired outcome. Examples: "polluted neighborhood park" or "kids come to school without breakfast" or "limited Internet access."
- The participants draw a tree as big as their chart with bare roots and branches. They write their identified problem in the trunk of their tree.
- By the roots they write several root causes of the problem (no trash cans in the park, people don't respect the natural area, people stay inside).
- By the branches, they write several effects of the problem (kids can't focus on work, they are ill often).
- They write expert resources to learn from (organizations, websites, people who know about the problem and solutions) in the space by the bird. These organizations have a birds-eye view of the problem.
- The groups share their tree brainstorming with others and ask for further ideas and discussion.
Reflection and Next Steps:
Focus on what next best steps we can take right now. This may include the following:
- meet with nonprofits to ask questions about the issue and what they do
- investigate the problem and learn more
- tell others about the issue or things they can do (be an advocate)
- volunteer
- change habits
- collect resources to help others
- View Learning to Give toolkits related to Issues We Care About to learn more about an issue, the needs, ideas for service, and community resources.
Find Learning to Give lessons related to the identified issues: use search terms related to academic or philanthropy goals, service project ideas, issues, or community resources.
