Stretching imagination and vocabulary, youth brainstorm words that demonstrate kindness and generosity. Being playful with their postures and shadows, youth work cooperatively with one or two others to act out their ideas and form alphabet letters. 

We define community as "coming together with a common purpose" and brainstorm communities we are part of: classroom, sports team, interest and faith groups, and neighborhood.  We reflect on how philanthropy and trust affect the common good of the community.

Learners explore the contributions and recommendations of Benjamin Franklin as a person who engaged in active citizenship.

Many people have a difficult time distinguishing between acts of kindness and acts of philanthropy. Using the definition of philanthropy from the “Defining Philanthropy” lesson, youth will examine various situations and decide which ones are acts of philanthropy. They may discover...

In response to the story of Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott, learners reflect on the barriers and challenges to addressing an unfair situation. Given a list of ways to respond to unfair situations, they match them to a list of unfair situations.

The learners present skits share strategies for addressing bullying behavior. They make a plan to reduce bullying in their school or community.

This energizer activity provides a fast and fun way to learn about the word philanthropy and its meaning.

"My friends are much more likely to get involved if word gets out that what we are doing is fun. We need to get that message out. We need to be the messengers." 

Youth make a chart of how they typically spend a free day and then envision what that same free day would look like when it is infused with philanthropy. They plan a free day, substituting their usual routine with activities that serve the community. They discuss the benefits and...