In this lesson, the learners write a story about philanthropists, modeled after the documentary The Gift of All. They research or interview a local philanthropist. Each learner writes a biography telling the story of the philanthropist. They share the completed biography with an...
Learners walk around their neighborhood parks observing plants, use of space, and ways to make the shared space better. They problem-solve about things they can do and then interview and survey others to get ideas and permission to take action.
Youth Activity: Youth explore the meaning of "common good," which is part of the definition of philanthropy.
"A community is only as good as its most unhealthy part." - anonymous
Students conduct and evaluate their service project, then celebrate their success. After the service project, invite guests, volunteers, community members, and other students to celebrate with the class.
From stories and examples, participants identify attributes, motivation, and impact of philanthropists.
Participants identify the attributes of a hero who is acting for the common good. Mother Teresa is a hero for her philanthropic work and character.
After comparing and contrasting entertainment and editorial cartoons, the learner uses cartooning as a means of public voice about political and social issues.
Participants become familiar with philanthropy-related terms and a variety of philanthropy in the past. We consider the impact of people who contribute in large and small ways to the health of the community.
We examine the Core Values of American Democracy and discuss their importance and where we are exposed to them and practice them throughout life.
Music may bring joy or it may help people reflect on their feelings. The "freedom songs" may have motivated the Civil Rights activists as they sought to aid the common good, and we can bring music to someone in the community as a gift of generosity and inspiration.