Philanthropy through Social Activism
Anticipatory Set
Ask the students to recall social activism and movements from the past. "What protests and civil action of the past 250 years have changed laws and practices, protecting the rights of specific populations in the U.S.?" Brainstorm a list on the board. Tell the students that they are going to see a short video clip with lots of images of protests and actions in the history of the U.S. that have changed laws and attitudes. Ask them to take notes of what events are shown and the justice they represent. Tell them to take note of inspirational words that can influence today's issues and social action.
Video
Questions
- What are some events and issues pictured in this video?
- We hear Martin Luther King, Jr. say, "Somewhere I read..." To what reading is he referring? How long ago were those words written? Under what conditions?
- Do we as U.S. citizens have the right to protest when something isn't fair? Where is that right assured?
- What are some rights that people are protesting for today?
- What are some issues that are controversial today?
- In the video we hear that every citizen is a social activist. By not acting, how are we giving our power to someone else?
- How do we protest today using social media? Is it effective? What techniques work? What are the negative sides of social media as a tool? How do you know if it is working?
Follow-Up Activity
Have students research the more recent protests by Native Americans related to oil pipelines across their lands. They can create a timeline of facts and events going back to when treaties about the land were signed.