Learning to Give, Curriculum Division of The LEAGUE

Age:

• 12-18
  

Objectives:

• To have participants look at how they might be involved in giving and serving in their community.
• To have participants look at what they can give to make the future of their organization or community a reality.
  

Activity Theme:

“One day, after we have conquered the winds, the waves, the tides and gravity, we will harness…the energies of love, and
for the second time in history of the world, we will have discovered fire!”

~Adapted from Tellierd de Chardin

The facilitator sets the mood by having quiet reflection music in the background as the participants enter the training session. (Something from 2001 A Space Odyssey or from the Star Wars movies might be appropriate, if available!) The facilitator asks the participants to close their eyes and he/she asks the following questions, giving the partici¬pants time to think about each one before moving on to the next one.

1. What will the community look like in 2010, ten years from now?
2. What will people be doing?
3. What will education, recreation, transportation and work be like?
4. How might families, schools, organizations, and congregations be different?
5. How might people be involved in service and giving?
6. How old will you be in 2010?

Activity:

Each person is given a balloon and a permanent marker. Facilitator asks them to blow up the balloons and tie a knot in the end, then tell the participants to draw pictures, symbols or words on their balloon that represent their vision for their community in ten years.

Processing:

The facilitator asks the participants to share one or two things about their community vision with the group. Each of these might be placed on newsprint. Participants spend some time reflecting on the visions and considering any additional items to add to the visions.

Ask them to tie their balloons together in pairs. They then are to bring the pairs and tie them close together in a bunch to a piece of string, yarn, or ribbon. The idea is to have it look like a very colorful “space station” when the balloons are all tied together. (Okay, use your imagination here!!!)

Divide the participants into groups of 4 or 5. Ask each person to discuss the following questions in their small group.

1. How can young people help make this ‘future vision” a reality? What part can they play in making it happen?
2. What attitudes do people need to have to make it a reality?
3. What are some of the obstacles that need to be overcome to have this future vision come to be?

After each person has had time to share in response to the questions in small group, facilitator might want to ask for a few responses from the groups which give an overview of what was discussed.

Application: