Settlement houses aimed to improve the lives of community members by addressing social challenges and promoting social welfare. In this lesson, we explore how they addressed the needs of the community where government efforts fell short. Many communities still have similar programs....

This experiential lesson involves building the garden and inviting people to enjoy and participate.

Students edit their memoir drafts, adding dialogue and figurative language in this guided writing session. This lesson will help students realize that struggles they experience in their lives often lead to a new understanding or lesson learned. Students will reflect on how their experience...

Three amendments to the Constitution extended voting rights to more citizens. Look at the language of these amendments and the effectiveness of everyone actually getting the vote. Youth discuss the purpose of voting, and they take action to make a difference, such as by making ...

The learners review the water cycle and come to an understanding about the need to sustain the quality of the world's water for the common good. 

Through the voices of an immigrant and refugee, youth gain empathy and understanding of the experience of leaving your home for a new place. 

Youth learn about the toxic ingredients in personal care products and take action to protect local waterways from the effects of the chemicals.

Learners explore the variety of job opportunities available in the nonprofit sector, many of which may use their skills and interests. In the nonprofit sector, the work is meaningful because it focuses on a mission to make change for the better. 

Children learn that the community has four sectors: business, government, nonprofit, and family. The children may walk through an area in their local community to identify which sector is represented by different places. As an alternative, they may look at a local map. 

Young people learn about the variety of ways citizens can become active participants in the community: political parties, interest groups, voting, and providing public service.