Philanthropy's Role in a Democratic Society
What can we learn from diverse people today and in history about private action for the common good?
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Students respond critically to readings about philanthropists in history and use a variety of research methods to create both oral and visual presentations outlining the life and work of a chosen philanthropist from history. Students write a letter to youth today as if they were the philanthropist they have researched.
Through an introductory pre-test, the learners will establish their prior knowledge of key terms and concepts important to creating and sustaining a democratic society. The learners then will expand this knowledge and understanding through guided reading and presentations.
Learners research the public and philanthropic life of the person, and prepare a three to five minute oral presentation based on their research. They will highlight the most significant facts of the individual’s life, the philanthropy the individual participated in, and major effects their lives had on American history.
After researching the life and work of a chosen philanthropist from history, the learner takes on the role of that philanthropist in writing a letter to the learner. In this letter, the philanthropist discusses his/her motivations and feelings about his/her work, and compares and contrasts his/her work with the philanthropic work of the learner. The learner also prepares his/her previously created visual presentation and the letter s/he has written for public display.
Learners will discuss important writings in the American philanthropic tradition.