This lesson introduces learners to our global community.  Learners see how they depend on the earth and the earth depends on them. Since we share the earth with many other people, we have a responsibility (for the good of all) to be good stewards of the earth by helping care for it.

Reviewing current political cartoons related to justice, equity, and racism, learners identify how language and humor act as a form of social action. They create their own cartoons or statement promoting or showing the damage of one of these themes.

Young people identify local nonprofit organizations through the Idealist.org website. They describe what the nonprofits do for the community and how people can help with their mission.

Using the plays from the previous lesson as a jumpstart, youth carry out a plan to share time and talent in the community.  They may help at a local food pantry or donation center.  After the visit, they reflect on the impact of their contribution to the community and themselves. 

Youth role-play situations in which they are involved in philanthropic acts.  They analyze the act of philanthropy.

In this lesson, youth prepare a persuasive speech in which they demonstrate that one person (or small group) can make a difference in making the world a better place or taking action for the common good.

Discuss and reflect in writing about their philanthropic experience of the previous lesson. They will talk honestly about how they can make a difference and whether or not they see themselves being philanthropic in the future.

Youth learn about the work of African American inventors who had a positive influence on society by contributing scientific innovation for the common good.

Clean water is a scarce natural resource because pollution and careless action can make it unusable for consumers. Learners research reliable facts about their local water and propose philanthropic acts to contribute to the common good.