The purpose of this lesson is to show that philanthropy is a diverse American tradition. Students will focus on the philanthropy of Madam C. J. Walker, successful African American business woman, who supported many causes with the profits of her business and consider how they themselves might take philanthropic action.

The learner will:

• chart how African American philanthropist Madam C. J. Walker faced the challenges of poverty and discrimination and rose to success.
  
  
• analyze the impact that Madam C. J. Walker had on improving her community.
  
  
• develop a plan and take action demonstrating how responsible citizens today might act in improving their communities using local programs or the Do Something program as models.

Copies or overhead of Madam C. J. Walker's philanthropy (see Attachment One)

• Have students create or web an analysis map of Madam C.J. Walker, her life and accomplishments. It should include her background, major accomplishments and philanthropic activities using words or phrases rather than whole sentences or paragraphs. To evaluate this student analysis map, present the following checklist to students to familiarize them with what is expected. Madam C.J. Walker's name is in the center and is the largest size.
  
  
• Background information, accomplishments and examples of her philanthropy are in smaller figures that circle or connect to the central figure.
  
  
• The purpose or theme is clear (such as her actions to help others).
  
  
• The map is readable and neat.
  
  
• The information is accurate and thorough.

Scoring Rubric:

4 - All five elements are present in the analysis map and it shows a deep understanding of Madame C.J. Walker's life and contributions to the public good.
3 - All five elements are present.
2 - Three or four elements are present
1 - One or two elements are present
0 - No attempt

Experiential Component and Assessment:

Introduce the DO Something Program and some BRICK Award winners, or a similar program that honors leaders building their communities or develop an action plan that the class or individual students might want to pursue.
• The DO Something program was founded in 1993 by a group of young people, including Andrew Shue, co-star of Melrose Place, as a national non-profit organization that provides leadership training, guidance, and financial resources to young people who are building their communities. It partners with communities to establish local Do Something Funds. It spreads the message about young leaders working to strengthen communities.
  
  
• Some award winners in 1996 included the following persons. Melissa Bradley, 28, National Grand Prize Winner. She is the founder and director of the Entrepreneurial Development Institute in Washington, D.C. It is a non-profit organization that helps disadvantaged youth develop small businesses. Trinh Duong, 22, is the organizer and fund-raiser for the Chinese Staff and Workers Association in New York City, an association that supports the rights of Chinese immigrant workers. Henry Fernandez, 28, is the director of Leadership, Education and Athletics in Partnership in New Haven, CT, a non-profit organization that fosters educational, leadership, and social development for students from elementary school through college.
  
  
• Students may become a member of Do Something and receive BUILD Magazine, which contains information on how to make a difference in their community for $10. Write Do Something Membership Department, 423 W. 55th St. 8th Floor, New York, NY 10019 or for additional information check out http://www.dosomething.org on the Internet.

  Students can develop a graphic organizer that shows how they would go about their plan.

  How I Plan to DO SOMETHING

  What do I want to do?

  What is my first step?

  Where can I go for information?

  How can I carry out this plan?