The learners will develop the skill of writing in several genres: persuasive essay, news story, reflective journaling, and personal narrative. They will recognize that reflecting and writing about civic engagement, service, and volunteerism enables them to clarify their own commitment and participation in contributing to the common good, and also gives them the power to inspire and persuade others to serve. Students are encouraged to publish their stories in writing, podcasts, weblogs, or other forms of media.

Scholarship Award: Through the generous support of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, The LEAGUE will be awarding three (3) scholarships of $5,000 each for student writings or reflections on civic experiences. See scholarship details here.

The learner will:

• define community.
• identify motivations for volunteering/giving.
• identify the elements of a quality piece of persuasive writing.
• use a variety of resources to research an issue.
• use the persuasive writing techniques to create a piece that builds awareness of a need and calls for action.
• work with peers to revise and edit writing pieces.
• select the most appropriate and effective venue to publish writing.
• identify the core democratic principle Freedom of the Press and the responsibilities that go with it.
• identify basic elements in newspaper article content.
• write a newspaper article about something that they or others are doing that is an example of giving time, talent, or treasure for the common good.
• identify and use writing mechanics of an effective newspaper article.
• participate in peer editing.
• keep a journal record of his/her actions during civic engagement and community service.
• share one journal entry with a peer group.
• use the techniques of writing narratives.
• use their personal experience, research, and/or their journal entries as a basis for their narratives.
• participate in peer review.

• A pretest and posttest are available for this unit.  The pretest may be found in Lesson One: Attachment Six and the posttest may be found in Lesson Four: Attachment Three.
• Student assessment will be based on class participation, small group work, and the process and product of writing the persuasive essay, newspaper articles, and personal narrative and the process of writing journal entries.
  

This unit may be taught as an entire unit during consecutive class periods or taught over the span of a semester.  The teacher may also choose to teach any of the lessons/writing genres independent of the others as appropriate to the needs of the students and curriculum requirements.  Since the theme for each of the writing pieces is civic engagement and service, a student service experience before and/or during the lessons is required.