This energizer activity provides a fast and fun way to learn about the word philanthropy and its meaning.
"My friends are much more likely to get involved if word gets out that what we are doing is fun. We need to get that message out. We need to be the messengers."
Youth Activity: Students add to their “philanthropic” vocabulary with an alphabet activity to gain a better understanding of the actions and deeds of philanthropy.
“Wisdom begins in wonder.” ~ Socrates
Youth Activity: Young people watch a video of people telling what they think "philanthropy" means. Then they conduct their own interviews to gather information about the understanding of the concept of philanthropy.
Youth Activity: This ten-minute activity is a good workshop energizer to take a break, refresh student energy, and have fun learning the word philanthropy.
Video Clip and Discussion Guide: Young people who want their career to be interesting, challenging, and to make a difference may consider working in the nonprofit sector. This video shares motivations of people who chose careers in the nonprofit sector.
Video Clip and Discussion Guide: While philanthropy is deeply embedded in U.S. society and practice, many people do not know the word or understand its full meaning. This one-minute video clip has some humorous definitions along with definitions from philanthropy scholars. Philanthropy is giving time, talent, or treasure and taking private action for the common good. Share this video to start a discussion of the many forms of philanthropy in practice.
Video Clip and Discussion Guide: People have the power as social activists to make a difference for the common good. Sometimes laws and practices are unfair. We use voting, advocacy, and our right to protest to raise awareness and demand justice. This 4-minute video and follow-up questions prompt youth to recall actions of the past that changed laws. Through discussion, young people examine social activism of today and current issues of debate.
Video Clip and Discussion Guide: There are some needs that businesses can't address because they can't make a profit. There are some needs that government can't address because government speaks for the majority. The philanthropy (or nonprofit) sector addresses needs and opportunities that fall through the cracks.
Video Clip and Discussion Guide: The nonprofit sector has a prevalent role in U.S. society. There is a deep partnership between the government and nonprofit sectors. Government makes up the building bricks of society, and philanthropy is the mortar that fills in the cracks and holds the bricks together. It is part of the social fabric of American democracy for citizens to organize and give for the common good.
Video Clip and Discussion Guide: Benjamin Franklin is known for many innovations and contributions to the common good. One of his contributions is as a pioneer in the field of philanthropy. He established the model of "public-private partnerships" in which he leveraged private dollars to get the government to contribute to libraries, hospitals, universities, and other needed resources for the common good. We still use this "mixed economy" model.
