Students gain empathy and use language to describe the mixed feelings that come with being new to a community. They watch and discuss video clips and compare character traits. Then they read a book and discuss how the book guides them to welcome new students to the classroom as the year progresses. As a service, they create coupon books for new students to use to get to know classroom routines and people.

In this lesson, the students learn to use their voice to say something to make the world a better place. This is an opportunity to demonstrate and feel the impact of kindness, inclusion, and listening on a caring community. Students learn from a community helper about the needs they observe in the community. They make and donate a "calming box" so the tool may help youth calm themselves. Use this at the beginning of the year to set a tone and learn skills of effective language that are good for all. 

Students identify the components and rationale behind the Constitution, with a particular emphasis on philanthropy. This lesson is designed for Citizenship/Constitution Day (September 17) and connects students to the community-building focus of the Constitution and how it relates personally to their lives and action. 

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." 

Play matching games on teams to gain familiarity with terms associated with philanthropy.

Author: Urban EdVenture Faculty

Using different approaches, the group develops a working understanding of the definition of philanthropy.

Author: Urban EdVenture Faculty

These activities help youth see the web of communities to which they belong and define what it means to be a member of a community.

Author: Urban EdVenture Faculty at Westminster

Youth Activity: Participants will gain a greater understanding of the meaning of philanthropy, and identify at least one action that they can take to better their own community. They will investigate the strength of the human spirit and its importance in making the world better. See the handout for supplemental faith-based discussion questions. Religious perspective attached.

“I keep my ideals, because in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart.” ~ Anne Frank (1930-1944)

Youth Activity: Participants will become comfortable saying the word philanthropy. See the handout for supplemental faith-based discussion questions.

"Some people give time, some money, some their skills and connections, some literally give their life's blood. But everyone has something to give..” ~Barbara Bush