Learning to Give, Philanthropy education resources that teach giving and civic engagement

Objectives:

• To emphasize to the participants that it is not what one says but what one does that matters.
  

Activity Theme:

The facilitator explains that the participants are going to have a lesson in how well they listen. This activity will give the group an idea of how well they work together in a project or as a team.

Activity :

The facilitator gives the instructions for the activity:

1. I will count to three (3)
2. After I say the number three, I want you to clap your hands together one time
3. Group must clap their hands as quickly as they can at the count of three and try to clap together.

The facilitator checks with the participants to be certain they understand the instructions. For example, the facilitator might ask the participants:

• What number will I count to?
• When are you supposed to clap?
• How is the group going to clap?

When the facilitator is certain that everyone understands the instruc¬tions, have the group stand and look at the leader of the activity. Every¬one needs to give his or her full attention. Leader/facilitator holds up his/ her hands in front of the chest and begins to count slowly. When the leader counts to two (not three), he/she claps then says “three.” The majority of the audience will follow the lead of the facilitator and clap on two with the leader. Everyone in the group will laugh about this mistake.

The facilitator asks the group, “What happened?” Repeat the instructions and try again. One more time the leader claps on two, and then says three. Did the majority of the group wait for “three” this time? If need be, try one more time to get the group to clap together on “three.” Participants then take their seats.

Processing:

The facilitator asks the participants:

1. What happened in this activity?
2. Why did they clap after “two” the first/second time?
3. What does the activity say to you about what we do versus what we say?

The facilitator closes the activity by asking participants if they have heard of the expression, “Actions speak louder than words.” People cannot just talk about being a “philanthropist”; people have to take philanthropic action. Another expression that is commonly heard is “You Have to Walk Your Talk.”

Application:

The participants can have some fun with their family and friends by leading them through the Hand Clap activity. Everyone enjoys this activity and it always brings lots of laughter.