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Take a Stand

Grade Level: 
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Keywords: 
Advocacy
Communication Skills
Facilitation
Leadership
public speaking
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In this activity, participants reflect on their beliefs and feelings about philanthropy. This activity helps participants practice speaking up for issues they are passionate about and dialogue with others on the topic.

What issues are you passionate about? What do you find easy to talk about and what is difficult? What does the group have in common?

Time: 

30 to 50 minutes 

Materials: 

  • A line across the room numbered from one to ten (may use string, tape, sticky notes, or another method to designate a continuum)

Activity: 

The facilitator may choose several statements to read aloud from below related to civil society and philanthropy. Upon hearing the statement, each participant stands somewhere on the numbered line to show their level of agreement (1 is strong disagreement, and 10 is strong agreement).

The participants may discuss issues, but the goal is to get a sense of what they care about and observe the variety of views and passions of their peers. To do this activity remotely, they may share their number in the chat. 

Take a Stand Philanthropy Statements 

The facilitator encourages the participants to “Take a Stand: Do you agree? Disagree? Fall somewhere in-between?”

  • Mental health is one of the most important issues of our time. 
  • Everyone has time and talent to do what is really important to them. 
  • All people should take action for a better world because it is the right thing to do. 
  • How I spend my time and money matters to the larger community.
  • Philanthropy is only for the rich. 
  • A healthy community is made up of many diverse views and practices.
  • I wish that all people had access to healthy and affordable food. 
  • Young people are needed and capable to give and serve in the community. 
  • Caring for the environment is the responsibility of each person.
  • Giving and serving are more than just doing; it is part of who you really are, your character. 
  • People of all physical and mental abilities are welcome everywhere in our town, and any barriers are addressed quickly. 
  • Young people have an opportunity to use their leadership gifts effectively in our community. 
  • It is important to give a portion of the money I earn to causes I believe in. 
  • Giving money to philanthropic organizations is the responsibility of adults, not young people. 
  • People with few financial resources can give something to make a difference for what they really care about. 

Reflection: 

  • Which statements were the easiest or most difficult for you to rate? What makes a topic easy or difficult to discuss?
  • Did you notice your feelings change throughout the activity? How and why?
  • How do your actions show your “inner” beliefs? Do you always act upon them? Why? 
  • What do you want to take action on next with your time, talent, or treasure?
  • How are your opinions and interests different and the same as others? How do you talk about that?
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