We work on communication and listening skills while designing and building simple objects. This helps us think about the power of words and how difficult it can be to get a message across to another person without it being lost in translation.

Author: Urban EdVenture Faculty

Learners acknowledge that aligning with groups can promote belonging as well as conflict and power struggles. They discuss and write about ways to include and show respect for people with different identity traits.

The learners make drums with recyclable containers and colorful craft supplies. They collaboratively write and illustrate a retelling of the story of "The Drum" and give it to a younger child. 

Expanding on the lesson about critical conversations, participants explore ways to use their voices for good. The book Say Something by Peter Reynolds encourages readers to find their own way to express their voice - through speaking, poetry, song, and other ways.

Youth Activity: Participants are playful with the meaning of the word philanthropy and philanthropic acts. This activity follows discussions about the many forms of philanthropy.

See the handout for supplemental faith-based discussion questions.

“If every American donated five...

Together we define philanthropy and identify health and safety issues we encounter in the community. The group creates a visual display showing issues of health and safety that are important to them.

In this lesson, youth prepare a persuasive speech in which they demonstrate that one person (or small group) can make a difference in making the world a better place or taking action for the common good.

Learners explore ways to be honest in communication, writing with clear purpose and honest intent.

The learners define environmental stewardship and determine what they care about related to the environment.