Learning to Give, Curriculum Division of The LEAGUE

Objectives:

• To begin to discover what others think about the word “philanthropy”
• To list the words and actions that people associate with the word
• To practice our interview skills
  

Activity Theme:

“If I asked you what the word, “philanthropy” means to you, what would you say? “Philanthropy — isn’t that the study of big fishes?” or “Beats me!”

Activity:

The facilitator tells the participants they are going to be “People on the Street.” or roving reporters who are asking a question of the general public: “What does the word “philanthropy” mean to you?”

Youth will have 20 minutes to approach people with this question and write the responses. Then, the group reconvenes to share responses. Participants go with a partner. Each group is given a clipboard, pencil, and an interview sheet. The goal is to record the responses of at least 3 people.

The participants reconvene and view the video, “Philanthropy Is…” Next, the facilitator asks them to shout out their responses while he/she posts them on newsprint. The facilitator flips over the paper to several definitions of the word “Philanthropy”.  Some of these are:

• The giving of one’s time, talent, or treasure for the sake of another or for the common good
• A tradition, a spirit, and a sector of society
• Voluntary giving, voluntary service, and voluntary association, primarily, for the benefit of others
• A desire to help mankind as indicated by acts of charity, etc. love of mankind
• Thoughtful, intentional, and ongoing giving of your time, talent, and treasure for the common good: developing Habits of Giving and Serving

Participants are asked to see if any of the responses they received appear in any of these defini¬tions. If so, have them circle the words.

Processing Questions:

1. What did they discover about the general public and the word “philanthropy”?
2. What did most people think about the word and what it means?
3. Were you surprised at the number of matches (or no matches) when you compared the words in the definitions and the words people gave you?
4. Why do you think so many people knew the word? Or did not know the word?
5. Before today, what has been your experience with the word?
6. On a piece of paper, write a definition for “philanthropy” in your own words.
   

Application:

Encourage each participant to replicate this activity with his/her school, youth organization, or faith-based group. It would increase the participant’s understanding and encourage others to begin discussing “philanthropy”.

Options:

If participants have access to a hand held video camera, they might tape their own responses as they do the “People on the Street” portion of the activity. The video could be shared with other groups and with funders/foundations in the community.

Safety First! :

If the facilitator does not wish to have the participants out and about on the street, the activity could be conducted within the organization, school, or faith-based institution where the training is being held. It might be better to designate groups so the same people are not approached. Phone interviews are another option to consider.

If the “on the street” version is used, have participants pair up in groups of 2 or 3. Explain that they are to approach people by introducing themselves (first name only) and their organization, school, or faith-based group. Remind them that the people have permission to “Pass”.

People on the Street

Interview Sheet