What Is Philanthropy?
What is a citizen's responsibility to participate in civil society?
Photo Credit: Knights'_tournament_in_Hagelby_2014_023 by Viktor Karppinen is licensed under CC by 2.0
The meaning of philanthropy comes clear through stories and role-playing. Participants reflect on the value of philanthropy to the community and the philanthropist. The experiential component involves helping pack, organize, and distribute food or donated items to people in their own community.
Through discussion and response to literature, we define philanthropy as the sharing of time, talent, and treasure for the common good. Participants reflect on the benefit of philanthropy to the giver and receiver.
In this lesson, youth prepare a persuasive speech in which they demonstrate that one person (or small group) can make a difference in making the world a better place or taking action for the common good.
Youth role-play situations in which they are involved in philanthropic acts. They analyze the act of philanthropy.
Using the plays from the previous lesson as a jumpstart, youth carry out a plan to share time and talent in the community. They may help at a local food pantry or donation center. After the visit, they reflect on the impact of their contribution to the community and themselves.
Note: Prior to this lesson, make arrangements with a local food pantry, donation center, or Red Cross, or contact your local Volunteer Center to arange to visit a a site as volunteers. Make sure young people can actually help with the work.
Discuss and reflect in writing about their philanthropic experience of the previous lesson. They will talk honestly about how they can make a difference and whether or not they see themselves being philanthropic in the future.