Using historical situations of economic difficulty in the United States, the learners will analyze Presidential decisions and speculate on the role of philanthropy during such times. Learners will define poverty by determining its causes and effects. They will identify organizations which serve those who are in poverty. The learners will analyze the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and determine whether poverty violates its principles. An international and a local nonprofit will be researched and learners will speculate on the need for nonprofits in the fight against poverty.

The learner will:

• contrast the role of the Federal Government in times of difficulty as seen through the actions of two different presidents.

• identify community acts of philanthropy which are necessary in hard times.

• identify and describe characteristics of poverty and causes of impoverishment.

• identify nonprofit organizations that seek to alleviate the consequences of poverty.

• illustrate how poverty violates the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

• describe the work of organizations which work to alleviate poverty.

• speculate on the need for government, for profit organizations and nonprofit organizations to cooperate in the fight against poverty.

• promote philanthropy and the work of nonprofit organizations.

Assessments of learning include essays, teacher observation, posters and learner-created informational brochures

To reinforce understanding of the dire condition homelessness places upon families and individuals, a “homeless” experience is recreated in Lesson Three: To the Rescue, Attachment Two: 24-Hour Homeless Experience. This is an optional experience and should not be attempted without considerable parental, community and school planning and support.