Students read about the Orphan Train and compare and contrast how that philanthropic effort has evolved today.

The purpose of the lesson is to create an awareness of local agencies that provide services for needy people, teens, and families in the community. Students will also learn the motivations for giving and see how help is provided to the community through the four sectors of the economy. Students will research and select a community agency and plan a service-learning project.

Students select an issue area and research on the Internet, specifically the Learning to Give briefing papers to identify philanthropists and philanthropic organizations who have an interest in addressing that issue. Using the information gained from research, students write a persuasive letter to a philanthropist or philanthropic organization in support of a worthwhile cause in the community.

Students examine the intent and reality of the orphan train and discuss whether it was an effective solution to child homelessness. They write and speak about the traits of someone who takes action for others and civil society. 

The young people create a video by compiling recordings of the songs and acting they did as a group to communicate the meaning of acting for the common good. They share their video with a local hospital, retirement community, or preschool as entertainment.

Teens identify their roles and personal values, and analyze how their personal values and beliefs developed in connection to their community's values and beliefs. They discuss what decisions they can make through generosity and voice for the common good. 

Learners will define government and describe a democratic republic with a Constitution. They identify the role of government at all levels - national, state, and local and talk about what young people can do to have a voice.

In this activity, participants explore the work of several nonprofit organizations. They contact a local nonprofit organization to learn more about their organization, what they do, and how young people can help. 

In this critical thinking activity, participants sort ideas and make observations about the difference between the nonprofit sector and the for-profit sector.