This lesson focuses on the meaning and benefits of gratitude. Participants give examples of what people give up (opportunity cost) when they give philanthropically. For their service project, the young people will decide how they can 'deliver gratitude' to a deserving person or group. They will then complete a service such as writing thank you notes.
We define philanthropy and discuss the joy of giving, as well as various ways to give through nonprofits in the community. We learn how #GivingTuesday, an international initiative, focuses on generosity and the power of social media and combining efforts with others to make a big difference. Young people explore their giving passion and use communication as an instrument of change.
Young people learn about people and children who are homeless and make bedtime bags for children in shelters as their service project.
"I always wondered why somebody doesn't do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody." - Lily Tomlin
Learners use words to communicate positively and build community. A service project involves writing positive messages on stones and placing them strategically to uplift and beautify.
Students organize and implement a school-based recycling plan based on a one-day lunchroom waste audit.
Adapt this one-period lesson plan and follow it with a simple and powerful service project for Earth Day. The reflection brings learning and service impact together.
Photo credit: Lunchroom by Rob Ireton is licensed under CC by 4.0
Youth learn about the toxic ingredients in personal care products and take action to protect local waterways from the effects of the chemicals.
Learning and action through service-learning give youth purpose to "do well and do good" because they see what they do matters and creates real solutions. This teaching and learning tool cultivates a caring community and prepares young people for responsible civic engagement, as well as college...
There are many ways to be healthy and safe. We can build physical health with exercise and games, healthy food, and sleeping. We can maintain mental health with meditation, relationships, volunteering, and self-care. The health and safety of ourselves and others is important for a healthy community. These lesson plans, project ideas, and community resources help youth understand and advocate for healthy and safe choices for self and community, as well as learn about advocacy for good practices, disease research, anti-smoking/vaping, and mental health.
Get to know the stories of people who represent a life of service. They may be veterans who chose to serve in the military or elderly friends who have served as activists or volunteers for different issues. Communities are stronger when people take action and work together for a common purpose. These activities, project ideas, and community resources prompt discussions and service that build respect for people of different roles, types of service, and generations.
This toolkit guides youth, educators, group leaders, families, and community groups as they investigate the issue of kindness and prepare to take action.
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