Youth Activity: Participants identify and begin to integrate the meaning of the word philanthropy and associated philanthropic acts. This activity assumes that the young people have had prior discussions about philanthropy. See the handout for supplemental faith-based discussion questions...

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

Using Guidestar as a source, young people identify three nonprofits and their mission statements. 

Participants research leaders who used the nonprofit sector as an alternative power structure to make positive changes in society. They will identify the Core Democratic Values that each leader focused on.

Read and compare a variety of literature to explore motivations and impact of young people taking action and helping others. We recognize that we all have time, treasures and/or talents to share.

Discuss when permission is needed in order to perform an act of philanthropy. Learn and practice a song about giving. 

Students view primary documents to explore public policy on service. They make meaning of the government role and citizen responsibility in civic action. They make a personal plan of service based on their available time, talent, and treasure.

Young people discuss and debate the issues related to ethical consumerism and the common good, and consider how their spending habits reflect their values.

Through discussion of the book The Seven Chinese Brothers, learners recognize that using our talents and working together to help others has benefits greater than the opportunity cost (what we gave up to take generous action). 

Rosa Parks' 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. Participants identify a need in the community and take action with personal responsiblity.