We find poetry everywhere: lyrics to songs, commercials, and picture books. Poems express strong emotions and observations of relationships with each other and the world. Sharing their poems to communicate care can be an act of generosity.
In this lesson, young people compare the communications and strategies of Malcolm X with those of Martin Luther King, Jr. They discuss the causes, effects, and ways to address racism through a discussion forum. They plan and hold the forum in the community.
The learners present skits share strategies for addressing bullying behavior. They make a plan to reduce bullying in their school or community.
Using a traditional Jewish text as its basis, this lesson emphasizes the importance of sharing in a relationship.
Benjamin Franklin's work was in service to making a better world, and he influenced the nonprofit sector. His book, Poor Richards Almanack, makes connections to the common good through personal virtue and actions. The participants choose quotes to create posters that communicate...
We learn how different groups coming together for the good of all established the Mayflower Compact. This brief agreement was the first document of its kind designed to bring a community together to focus on the common good. This may be a model for a group agreement written by the...
Youth make a chart of how they typically spend a free day and then envision what that same free day would look like when it is infused with philanthropy. They plan a free day, substituting their usual routine with activities that serve the community. They discuss the benefits and...
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.
We look at two examples of art connecting diverse people. The first example is a man who connects people around the world by dancing badly and capturing cultural expressions of dance and community. The second example is an artist who leaves free paintings around Boston (and then around the world...
Using different approaches, the group develops a working understanding of the definition of philanthropy.
Author: Urban EdVenture Faculty