Learning to Give, Philanthropy education resources that teach giving and civic engagement
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Purpose:
Duration:
One to Two Fifty-Five Minute Class Periods
Objectives:
The learner will:
- research and describe the work of philanthropists and philanthropic organizations.
- write a persuasive letter in support of a worthwhile cause in the community.
Materials:
- www.learningtogive.org
- Question Sheet (Attachment One)
- Parent Survey (Attachment Two)
Instructional Procedure(s):
Anticipatory Set:
Tell students, "You have probably have seen or heard about the television show 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?'. If you had a million dollars, what would you do with it?" Give students five minutes to write on this topic. Discuss answers with the large group and write comments on the overhead or board.
- Tell students, "Now suppose that you are a multimillionaire and want to contribute money to a worthwhile cause to benefit the common good. In other words, you are a philanthropist. What are some worthwhile causes in our community? Be able to explain how this would benefit the common good." Brainstorm a list of causes with the class.
- Have students research philanthropists or philanthropic organizations. They will use the information collected to write a persuasive letter urging support for a community need or a cause that interests students. Give students hard copies of the information found in the "Resource Room" of the Learning to Give Web site (click on "Briefing Papers" concerning philanthropists and philanthropic organizations or have students use the computer to access this information. Using this information, have students fill out Question Sheet (Attachment One). Allow about 15-20 minutes for this activity.
- After researching the information, students should write their persuasive letters, using the information from their question sheets, to philanthropists or philanthropic organizations to gain support for their cause. The letter should state the philanthropic cause and include an explanation of why it is worthwhile and deserves support or funding. These letters may be sent to the philanthropists or the philanthropic organizations.
Assessment:
The assessment for this activity is the persuasive letter stating the philanthropic cause and information that supports how this cause would benefit others.
School/Home Connection:
Send home Parent Survey (Attachment Two) about worthwhile philanthropic causes in the area.
Cross-Curriculum Extensions:
The extension for this activity is to find addresses for the philanthropic organizations used in the persuasive letters and mail letters to them.
Bibliographical References:
- Learning to Give Web site at: www.learningtogive.org
Lesson Developed By:
Judy KrakSt. Charles Community Schools
Anna M. Thurston Middle School
St. Charles, MI 48655
Pat Grimley
St. Charles Community Schools
Anna M. Thurston Middle School
St. Charles, MI 48655
Handouts:
Handout 1Print Handout 1
Question Sheet
Directions: Find a philanthropist or philanthropic organization that may be interested in your cause. Use either the handouts from your teacher or the information found in the "Resource Room" of the Learning to Give Web site: www.learningtogive.org.
1. What is the name of the foundation or individual?
2. What are the goals of the organization?
3. Do the goals meet your cause?
4. How does the group or individual benefit others? Does it provide funding or services?
5. Would this group be interested in your cause? Explain.
Handout 2Print Handout 2
Parent Survey
Dear Parents,
In English class the children have been researching philanthropists and philanthropic organizations. They are trying to gain information which they'll use to write a persuasive letter about needs in the local community. Your input on this topic is valuable to this project. Please answer the following survey questions.
1. What are some areas of concern or people in our community that would benefit if helped by a philanthropist or philanthropic foundation?
2. Of those you named, which has the greatest need?
3. How could this need be met? What services could be provided by a philanthropist, like Bill Gates, or a philanthropic group, like the Dow Foundation?
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with your child.
Unit Contents:
Overview:Philanthropy and Children Who Are Homeless Summary
Lessons:
- 1.
- Traveling on the Orphan Train
- 2.
- Was the Orphan Train Philanthropic?
- 3.
- Time Traveling
- 4.
- Philanthropy Profiler
- 5.
- If I Had A Million Dollars
- 6.
- Helping the Needy—What Now?
All rights reserved. Permission is granted to freely use this information for nonprofit (noncommercial), educational purposes only. Copyright must be acknowledged on all copies.
