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

 

Objectives:

• To have the participants begin to understand the language of philanthropy
• To ask participants what they think about “philanthropy”
• To introduce the glossary used in the curriculum
  

Activity Theme:

“Philanthropy: Hard to say; fun to do!”

~ Youth Board member, Habits of the Heart Youth Advisory Council

The facilitator explains that this activity is an interactive way for young people to begin to understand “philanthropy” and the language used when describing philanthropic actions. Because so many of the words used in the discussion are unfamiliar to young people, the activ¬ity begins to set the stage for the rest of the training activities. The facilitator sets the tone for a “fun” experience with words. Beware of making it like school!

Activity:

The facilitator hands out index cards with the following words printed on them: (one per card)

• Philanthropy
• Reciprocity
• Experiential
• Volunteer
• Philanthropist
• Core Values
• Nonprofit Sector

The facilitator asks each participant to sound out the word on the index card, trace it with a finger, and silently spell the word. Then facilitator asks the participants to exchange the card for a different word with someone else in the room and follow the same process. The participants ask each other what they think the definition might be.

The facilitator brings the group back together and has them form small groups of 3 to 4. Each group is given one of the words and a dictionary. The facilitator asks each group to pick a recorder who will record the definition as it appears in the dictionary and the group’s definition of that word, so it is in “their own words.”

While the groups are working, the facilitator puts the word “Philanthropy” on several pieces of newsprint taped together to form a banner and places this in front of the room. When the facilitator sees that the groups have finished, he/she brings them back to large group and asks them to share their word with the rest of the group.

The recorder says the word, gives the dictionary definition, and gives the group’s definition and places the word somewhere on the philanthropy banner. Each group follows until all words are placed. Facilitator explains that the group has completed their own “glossary” of words.

 

Processing Questions:

The facilitator leads the discussion with the following questions:

1. Have you ever used any of these words before? Have you heard them being used? If so, how were they used?
2. In your own words, “What does philanthropy mean?”
3. Use the word in a sentence you will share with the group. How would you explain the word to a 5- or 6-year-old?
   

Application:

Let each participant take one of the words home. Tell them to pass the card around at the dinner table or some place where the family and/or friends are gathered. Ask them how they would define the word. Add their definition to the one discussed.

Variation:

Facilitator might want to begin the exercise by playing a guessing game with the words. Put participants into groups of 3 and give each small group the words. Ask them to guess what they think the words mean. Clues can be given from the participants in the small groups.