Settlement houses aimed to improve the lives of community members by addressing social challenges and promoting social welfare. In this lesson, we explore how they addressed the needs of the community where government efforts fell short. Many communities still have similar programs....
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Unit: Exploring the Timeline of US Philanthropy
Unit: History of Philanthropy
Youth explore the history of philanthropic behavior (sharing, community collaboration, service) in ancient cultures and today, as well as compare themes of love and service in different world religious practices.
Unit: Roots of Philanthropy (Elementary)
Youth Activity: Participants will discover that sharing and trust are important parts of philanthropic action. See the handout for supplemental faith-based discussion questions.
“The point is not to pay back kindness but to pass it on.” ~Julia Alvaraz
Youth Activity: Participants will know the definition of philanthropy, and be able to recognize philanthropic traits and actions. See the handout for supplemental faith-based discussion questions.
“Say it again! Say it loud! Philanthropy makes me proud!” ~ Janet...
Unit: Roots of Philanthropy (Teen)
Youth Activity: This interactive activity helps young people understand philanthropy and the language used when describing philanthropic actions. The facilitator sets the tone for a “fun” experience with words.
Unit: Social Reformer—Jane Addams
In this second lesson about Jane Addams, we learn about the impact of her philanthropic work and connect it to the needs of our communities today. Young people discuss voluntary actions they can take inspired by Jane Addams.
Unit: Food for Thought: Hunger around the World
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.
Unit: Save a Drop For Me
Clean water is a scarce natural resource because pollution and careless action can make it unusable for consumers. Learners research reliable facts about their local water and propose philanthropic acts to contribute to the common good.
Unit: Mighty Pens: Writers for Positive Change
This lesson guides learners as they inform a public audience about philanthropic acts that enhance the common good. The learners write newspaper articles that describe acts of service and volunteerism in their community.
Unit: My Country, My Community
In a persuasive essay, learners describe the responsibilities of American citizenship and the cost of freedom. They connect how philanthropic action is a part of those costs. “Freedom isn’t free. It passes on an enormous debt to the recipient.”