Through a story in which a child inspires her neighborhood to improve a vacant lot, young people recognize that they can have a positive impact on others. They brainstorm a philanthropic project to benefit the school or larger 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."
Learners relate enlightened self-interest to caring by discussing a quote from Alexis de Tocqueville about the American tradition of democracy....
Children gain a feeling of ownership and responsibility for the care of the environment in their school and community.
This lesson provides an example of a politician known for his honesty. The learners identify why they depend on politicians to be honest, and discuss why it is difficult for politicians to be honest....
Learners use respectful language to debate in a scenario that doesn't have a clear right and wrong choice. They try to persuade the group about what is the responsible thing to do. ...
Several questions spark conversation and critical thinking about the meaning of fairness. Learners work together to create a definition of fairness.
Learners play a game that helps them identify qualities in others that make them trustworthy.
We learn about Elizabeth Cady Stanton and her leadership of the woman's suffrage movement. At the time it was hard for some people to see that women deserved equality or that change was possible, but her persistence and organization techniques helped raise awareness and involvement....
Through this activity participants become aware of their own privileges, and the racial, cultural and socio-economic biases in society today.