We each have gifts we can use to give our lives purpose and make the world better. Using our gifts for the good of others can solve problems, if we take bold and selfless action. Even very young people are capable of the kind of selfless actions that create positive change.
The young people reflect upon themselves as community members and use descriptive language to give themselves meaningful names.
This lesson introduces young people to the concept of philanthropy as giving time, talent, or treasure for the common good. They learn that even young people can be philanthropists. The following lessons lead young people to plan a fundraiser.
Now that the need they want to address is identified, the children meet people in the community who address the need and others who may want to help them with their fundraiser.
Young people learn about the contributions made by Benjamin Franklin to the common good. They categorize his accomplishments in the nonprofit, business, and government sectors. They select a quote from Franklin that they would like to apply to their own lives.
All people have need for and deserve friendship and belonging. In this lesson, we explore the elements of community relationships, like kindness, inclusion, listening, and trust. The children compile pages to make a big book that teaches others to be caring community members.
Now familiar with how a community foundation serves the community, the learners form a Youth Advisory Committee and use parliamentary procedure to conduct business.
In this lesson, a picture books raises awareness of the importance of memories to the people of all ages that make up a community. The children learn the definition of philanthropy and identify an act of philanthropy in the literature book Wilfrid Gordon...
Through multiple visits to a retirement home, letter writing, or by inviting seniors to an event, children learn effective communication, sensitivity to people of different generations, and shared experiences while learning about the common good and stewardship.
Young people prepare for their visit to the retirement home by writing an autobiography. They work together to come up with questions to ask their senior friends.