George Washington Carver was a teacher, agricultural scientist and inventor who served Tuskegee Institute in Alabama for forty-seven years. He made many contributions to the world and the environment, including developing revolutionary crop rotation theory that helped conserve land from overuse. He educated and empowered farmers in agricultural techniques, particularly in the American South and founded the Carver Research Foundation.
Servant leaders are people who practice a leadership philosophy that “enriches the lives of individuals, builds better organizations, and ultimately creates a more just and caring world.” For this activity, youth create their own oral history recording by interviewing an individual who they consider a servant leader. Youth will glean lessons from the interview and create and preserve a historical record of a story that is worthwhile knowing.
Read profiles of "servant leaders" and use these brainteaser puzzles to reveal their philosophy of leadership.
In this activity participants get to know one another and discover their commonalities and differences. What similarities do I have with others? What differences do I have with others? Why are both important?
After a meaningful session or day together, a reflective writing prompt can help young people internalize, sort, or articulate their thoughts and feelings. A great tool for SEL and personal reflection, exit tickets provide a prompt to bring thoughts to a close before moving out the door. Designed to be handed to the facilitator as a "ticket" out the door, they may also be kept private if someone doesn't want to share their thoughts in the moment.
A Sufi Tale: Nasrudin Hodja acts hospitably when his good friend is standing on the doorstep with a fine-looking rabbit in hand. Hassan is invited in and a feast is prepared. But when visitors interrupt that man’s evening meal on a succession of nights, he comes up with a plan to discourage others from coming empty-handed. What are the customs of hospitality that must be followed?
A Sufi Tale: Usually the Hodja has no trouble coming up with the sermon to deliver on Friday afternoons. However, when he draws a blank, he uses his creativity and then he doesn’t have to give a sermon for weeks! What is the source of inspiration in our lives, and to whom do we look for guidance? Often wisdom is available within.
Youth Activities: These seven interactive and reflective activities are designed to be used in small or large groups.
