People Making a Difference
How can we best help people who are not getting basic needs met?
Photo Credit: Fairfax County Urban Search and Rescue at Montana Hotel in Port-au-Prince by Chuck Simmins is licensed under CC by 2.0
The work of nonprofits and the civil society ensures that we have libraries, zoos, schools, hospitals, and food pantries in our community. Philanthropic action happens when people come together to address unmet needs. Students learn about events that prevent people from getting their basic needs met, such as a natural disaster or moving to a new community. Students become motivated to think about ways they can help.
This lesson introduces the concept of basic needs. Students learn about events that prevent people from getting their basic needs. They also explore how people and organizations step forward to help others get their basic needs met. Students become sensitive to the needs of others and are motivated to think about ways they can help. They are introduced to the term philanthropy.
The purpose of the lesson is to introduce students to the ways in which cultural groups meet their needs within a community in the past and present.
Note: This lesson also includes some Spanish Standards.