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Models of Philanthropy in the Latino Community

Grades: 
9, 10, 11, 12
Subjects: 
Arts Education
Language Arts
Philanthropy
Social Studies
Keywords & Concepts: 
Chávez
César
Huerta
Dolores
Hispanics
Labor Movements
Leadership

The participants investigate the roles of historical and contemporary Latino philanthropists. They will look at the work of César Chávez and Dolores Huerta in the farm labor movement within the historical context of Latino activism in the United States.

Duration 
PrintOne 55-Minute Session
Objectives 

The learners will:

  • analyze philanthropic traditions of diverse cultural groups and Latino contributions to civil society.

  • identify and give examples of the important roles women and minorities have played in the civil society sector in history.

Materials 
  • Printouts or electronic copies of the handouts below: Latino Philanthropy and Historical and Contemporary Latino Philanthropists
  • video from Good Morning America (September 22, 2021): The conversation around terms such as 'Hispanic,' 'Latino' and 'Latinx'
  • Interview with Delores Huerta on Good Morning America
  •  Models of Philanthropy in the Latino Community Google Slideshow (PDF below)
Bibliography 
  • Hispanics in Philanthropy
  • Annie E. Casey CaseyCast podcast
Related Resources 

Instructions

Print

  1. Anticipatory Set:
    Watch the video conversation around terms such as 'Hispanic,' 'Latino' and 'Latinx' from Good Morning America (September 22, 2021). Discuss:

    What is the most respectful way to refer to the Hispanic/Latino/Latinx community?

    Come to a group consensus on the term(s) that will be used during this lesson. (Learning to Give will use the term “Latino.”)

  2. Display the "Models of Philanthropy in the Latino Community" Google Slideshow (pdf version below). For each of the art slides, discuss the following:

    • What do you think this work of art is about?
    • What issue or need is being addressed?
    • What philanthropists/activists were involved in addressing the problem?
    • Share the slides that introduce César Chávez, Dolores Huerta, and the United Farm Workers, including the video.
    • The Good Morning America interview (see Materials above) with Dolores Huerta gives a good bridge between history and today and addresses how we can take action when we see a need.
    • How does the phrase "Yes we can" empower people?
    • Dolores Huerta emphasizes that it wasn't that SHE could fix things, but that the people affected could fix things. What does that mean for youth today?

  4. Have participants read through the document Latino Philanthropy (handouts below) and discuss:

    • What facts are surprising or new?
    • What facts relate to their own lives? How do their families/communities view and practice philanthropy?
    • Which facts relate to the work and motivations of César Chávez and Dolores Huerta?

  5. Explore the stories of Latino philanthropists and complete the grid activity described in the Historical and Latino Philanthropists document below. When participants are done, have them share who they chose for each category and discuss any commonalities and differences of opinion. Allow approximately 30 minutes for this activity.

  6. Take Action: Use the words, "Yes we can!" as an inspirational call to action about an issue you identify. What action would you like to see? How can you use nonviolence to make a change for the good of all?

Philanthropy Framework

  1. Strand PHIL.I Definitions of Philanthropy
    1. Standard DP 01. Define Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark HS.2 Identify and discuss examples of philanthropy and charity in modern culture.
    2. Standard DP 02. Roles of Government, Business, and Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark HS.6 Describe how the civil society sector is often the origin of new ideas, projects and innovation and social renewal.
  2. Strand PHIL.II Philanthropy and Civil Society
    1. Standard PCS 01. Self, citizenship, and society
      1. Benchmark HS.4 Describe and give examples of characteristics of someone who helps others.
      2. Benchmark HS.5 Describe civil society advocacy organizations and their relationship to human rights.
    2. Standard PCS 02. Diverse Cultures
      1. Benchmark HS.1 Analyze philanthropic traditions of diverse cultural groups and their contributions to civil society.
      2. Benchmark HS.7 Identify and give examples of the important roles women and minorities have played in the civil society sector in history.
    3. Standard PCS 03. Philanthropy and Economics
      1. Benchmark HS.4 Give examples of how civil society sector giving by individuals and corporations can impact communities.
    4. Standard PCS 05. Philanthropy and Government
      1. Benchmark HS.11 Discuss why organizations in the civil society sector work to protect minority voices.
      2. Benchmark HS.12 Explain why private action is important to the protection of minority voices.
  3. Strand PHIL.III Philanthropy and the Individual
    1. Standard PI 01. Reasons for Individual Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark HS.10 Identify reasons why historic figures acted for the common good.
  4. Strand PHIL.IV Volunteering and Service
    1. Standard VS 03. Providing Service
      1. Benchmark HS.1 Provide a needed service.