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A Group Is a Community
  1. Strand PHIL.I Definitions of Philanthropy
    1. Standard DP 01. Define Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark E.1 Define philanthropy as the giving and sharing of time, talent, or treasure intended for the common good.
      2. Benchmark E.3 Recognize that citizens have a responsibility for the common good as defined by democratic principles.
    2. Standard DP 02. Roles of Government, Business, and Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark E.3 Identify ways that trust is important in all communities.
      2. Benchmark E.6 Explain why acting philanthropically is good for the community, state, nation, or world.
    3. Standard DP 06. Role of Family in Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark E.2 Identify examples of families supporting giving and sharing.
  2. Strand PHIL.II Philanthropy and Civil Society
    1. Standard PCS 01. Self, citizenship, and society
      1. Benchmark E.1 Define the word <em>trust</em> and its role in all communities.
    2. Standard PCS 05. Philanthropy and Government
      1. Benchmark E.1 Define community as the degree that people come together for the common good.
      2. Benchmark E.7 Describe why the classroom, school, or neighborhood is a community governed by fundamental democratic principles.
  3. Strand PHIL.III Philanthropy and the Individual
    1. Standard PI 01. Reasons for Individual Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark E.7 Give classroom examples of when a student does not need the teacher's permission to act philanthropically.

The children recognize they form a community when they are brought together for a common purpose. They are encouraged to be philanthropic within interest groups, schools, and families to build trust and for the common good of the community.

Duration: 
PrintOne 30-minute session
Objectives: 

The learner will:

  • give examples of when they can do something philanthropic without permission.
  • state why trust is important in a community.
  • define philanthropy as the sharing of time, talent or treasure for the common good.
Home Connection: 

Families can also be considered communities. Children can brainstorm with their families what they can do at home for the common good of their family.

Instructions: 
Print

  1. Anticipatory Set:

    Ask if anyone in the group would like to demonstrate a kindness that benefits the group. (Ideas: Offer to carry part of someone's heavy load. Share something with another child. Ask someone to play a group game. Offer to clean up a mess in the room.) After a few children demonstrate, discuss with the whole group how it felt to be the giver and receiver. Discuss how each act is good for the community/common good.

  2. Review the definition of a community that is formed when a group of people come together for a common purpose or for the common good. Discuss in what ways their group fits that definition and can be considered a community.

  3. Make a list with the children of things they can do for or within their group without permission.

    • Define philanthropy as giving or sharing time, talent or treasure for the common good. Discuss whether each of the ideas on the list they made are sharing time (playing at recess), sharing talent (helping with work),  or sharing treasure (sharing a toy or food).

  4. Discuss ways trusting each other matters within the classroom community. Without trust, how will people feel about accepting or doing acts of philanthropy?

  5. Invite the children to carry out one philanthropic act within the group time in the next few days. After a few days, discuss how they feel about their group community and whether this activity has improved the common good of the community. Does this type of activity help improve the group’s purpose? Discuss whether these acts are their responsibility and not just something extra.