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At the Core of Philanthropy—Democratic Values

Unit of 4 lessons

6th-8th Grade

Subjects:

Library / Technology, Philanthropy and Social Studies

Key Words/Concepts click to view

Lesson 1 :	PHIL:	5 genOn; Philanthropic Traditions; Reflection
	SOC:	1 genOn; Bill of Rights; Civic Responsibility/Virtue; Compare/Contrast; Constitution of the United States; Core Democratic Values; Declaration of Independence; Democracy; Good Character; Personal Virtue; Separation of Powers; Values
Lesson 2 :	PHIL:	Common Good; Philanthropic Act
	SOC:	1 genOn; Core Democratic Values; Inquiry; Research; Resources
Lesson 3 :	PHIL:	Common Good; Philanthropic Act
	SOC:	Greatest Generation (The); 1 genOn; Core Democratic Values; Good Character; Historical Biographies; Inquiry; Personal Virtue; Primary/Secondary Sources; Research; Resources; World War II
Lesson 4 :	PHIL:	Common Good; Philanthropic Act
	SOC:	1 genOn; Analyze/Interpret; Citizenship/Civic Engagement; Civic Responsibility/Virtue; Core Democratic Values; Diversity; Human Rights; Japanese Internment; Pearl Harbor; Persuasive Techniques; Point of View; Tolerance

Unit Overview:

The learner will have the opportunity to examine his/her values and beliefs as the basis for his/her actions. Students will make the connection that citizens are motivated by democratic values, which, in turn, encourage them to act philanthropically. Students will examine contemporary and historical examples of individuals who acted philanthropically for the common good. Finally, the learner will examine the importance of protecting and promoting our core democratic values and how that can be accomplished through personal involvement as a young person.

Unit Purpose:

This unit begins with the learner examining personal beliefs and the basis for their actions. This is the connection to understanding that the Core Democratic Values are fundamental civic beliefs which inspire philanthropic action. Students will develop descriptions and create posters of eight Core Democratic Values. They will also research contemporary examples of individuals acting to enhance Core Democratic Values. While reflecting upon the historical perspective and context of World War II, students will view a video as well as participate in role plays regarding the enhancement or violation of Core Democratic Values. Finally, students will use what they have learned about the Japanese Internment to examine Core Democratic Values during World War II as they compose and articulate their thoughts in an essay format.

Unit Objectives:

The learner will:

define at least five Core Democratic Values.

explain the role of Core Democratic Values as commonly held beliefs among citizens which inspire them to act philanthropically.

explain the connection between Core Democratic Values and the founding documents.

describe the action of an individual in contemporary society acting for the common good in accordance with a Core Democratic Value.

hypothesize possible reasons for the lack of voluntary action to enhance a Core Democratic Value.

identify and propose actions to personally enhance a Core Democratic Value.

describe philanthropic action by a citizen during World War II, and explain how a Core Democratic Value was enhanced by the action.

identify actions of the American government and people during World War II which violated Core Democratic Values in regard to Japanese Americans and describe the impact of those actions.

list ways Core Democratic Values can be enhanced through philanthropic action for the common good of the student body.

Service Experience:

Although lessons in this unit contain service project examples, decisions about service plans and implementation should be made by students, as age appropriate.

Lesson Four: Growing from Planted Seeds can provide the opportunity for students to encourage their peers not only to act upon personal and civic values, but also apply those values by giving of time, talent, and treasure. Students can make an appeal to and assist their school leadership council with clarifying values of the group. This would be an opportunity for students to teach the council about the Core Democratic Values and brainstorm ways in which they can be used within the school setting. Sharing content learned from World War II and Japanese Internment will serve as powerful motivating factors of the importance of action in accordance with the Core Democratic Values for the purpose of preserving democracy.

Unit Assessment:

Students will send letters of appreciation and encouragement to current service men (see Web site www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=misc.contact&tok=1 for addresses). Students will write about how philanthropic actions maintain our democracy and enhance Core Democratic Values.

School/Home Connection:

Lesson One: Seeds of Our Democracy - Core Values provides a two-part, follow-up activity. The first part will provide an opportunity for students to reflect upon their family as the source of personal beliefs. The second part will provide students with an opportunity to describe the eight Core Democratic Values and their role in encouraging citizens to be involved by giving of their time, talent, and/or treasure.

Notes for Teaching:

Although World War II is the historical focus of this unit, teachers may use another time or event and still teach the important objectives of this unit. In regard to the Core Democratic Values, eight were chosen as the focus of this unit. However, there are many others which can be considered in place of or in addition to those included in this unit.