With guidance from a local environmental agency, prepare the youth in advance of volunteering their time to clean up a lake or river for the common good. Arrange a field trip that includes picking up trash and recording the data.
Introduce the concept of philanthropy and guide the learners to be philanthropists who take volunteer action for the common good.
Through observation of the water cycle, we discuss the importance of water as a nonrenewable resource. Why is being a good steward of this resource an example of acting for the Common Good?
The book, The Gardener, by Sarah Stewart gently illustrates how sharing growing things can be a gift to others and the community.
We define the nonprofit, or third, sector and explain why it is important as an alternative power structure.
Rosa Parks’s acts of philanthropy brought a community of people together for the common good and resulted in major social change in her community and in the nation. Young people identify the relationship between individual rights, justice, equality, and community responsibility.
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.
Small personal actions can be first steps in a life of service and civic engagement. Voting and civic action are small examples of responsible citizenship. Advocating for what we value is a demonstration of a citizen's rights.
Youth Activity: Participants recognize a wide variety of philanthropic actions through fun and active participation. See the handout for supplemental faith-based discussion questions.
"If every American donated five hours a week, it would equal the labor of 20...
Participants define philanthropy as givng time, talent or treasure and taking action for the common good. They identify philanthropy in a read-aloud story and the regional news.