In this unit, students will define the importance of philanthropy in developing and maintaining our democratic society. They will investigate real issues or problems that affect their world, and become involved in identifying solutions to those problems. Through active participation, students will address the needs of the non-profits that represent the issues or problems identified, by volunteering to work with those organizations. Students will encourage others to volunteer by reporting on their experiences to their peers, faculty, parents, and community members in the form of a student driven symposium.

The learner will:

• formulate answers to the essential questions regarding philanthropy in a democratic society using literature and experience.
• describe how a nonprofit agency is organized and describe its importance in the community and a democratic society.
• prepare and make a successful presentation to peers, teachers, parents, and community members, educating them about an issue with which students had become deeply involved.
• create a portfolio that, through writing and visuals, documents their learning experience throughout the unit.

Students will demonstrate their learning through a symposium presentation and a journal that documents their learning.