Introduce the folksinger Woody Guthrie and his legendary song This Land Is Your Land. His songs were written for everyone to get involved in their community. Learners understand that it is the responsibility of everyone to help take care of each other and the Earth.
In this lesson, young people learn the difference between private and public resources and identify areas that are called commons. They discuss whose responsibility it is to take care of those areas and how they are managed.
Youth analyze personal reasons for taking action and compare them to the researched motivations for giving.
We define the nonprofit, or third, sector and explain why it is important as an alternative power structure.
The purpose of this session is to plan and develop a video documentary. Modeling their documentary after the West Michigan documentary The Gift of All, youth interview local philanthropists and create a multi-media story of their community and local philanthropy. Creating and sharing...
In response to the story of Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott, learners reflect on the barriers and challenges to addressing an unfair situation. Given a list of ways to respond to unfair situations, they match them to a list of unfair situations.
Participants learn about different types of foundations and how they work toward improving the common good.
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...
Young people explore demographics and definitions to better understand some of the disabilities of their peers. They discuss how we can support one another's unique expressions of self.
This lesson emphasizes the importance of "V’ahavta Lereacha Kamocha – Love Your Friend as Yourself." Children discuss the importance of helping others and will have the opportunity to have firsthand experience in this aspect of tikkun olam.