Young people learn about the variety of ways citizens can become active participants in the community: political parties, interest groups, voting, and providing public service. 

Young people learn about philanthropy through the book Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen and a visit from a nonprofit representative.

Learners distinguish between the many different approaches to addressing hunger by looking at governmental versus nonprofit programs. They will describe the importance of philanthropic actions in solving the problems of hunger in the world.

Young people perform their puppet plays in order to teach others about environmental issues. They reflect on this project by writing an answer to some essential questions of the unit: What does it mean to be a philanthropist? What does it mean to be an environmentalist?

Sometimes we let negative words of others or our own doubts stop us from doing what we know we can. Children reflect on the importance of positive words and actions to make a strong community.

Children listen to and respond to stories about the value of a home and the difficulties of not having a home. They make painted rocks or other comfort items and give them to a friend or donate them to a local shelter.

Students examine the intent and reality of the orphan train and discuss whether it was an effective solution to child homelessness. They write and speak about the traits of someone who takes action for others and civil society. 

Introduce the philanthropic behavior of Native Americans through the speech attributed to Chief Seattle, using the book Brother Eagle, Sister Sky: The Words of Chief Seattle.

Learners increase their reading fluency and awareness of philanthropy by reading to younger children.

This lesson introduces ways to respond with empathy and generosity to a natural disaster. Young people learn about civic responsibility and addressing needs. They define vocabulary terms philanthropy, spend, save, and donate.