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

Objectives:

• To practice taking philanthropic action on behalf of a cause in which one truly believes
• To introduce skills needed to be an effective advocate for an issue
• To have participants begin to understand the impact philanthropic actions have on a community and world.

Activity Theme:

“There is a greatness waiting for you. We are busy, we are distracted, we are cynical, but this greatness waits. Through a speech by Dr. King or the story of the Grinch or even a bumper sticker, this greatness finds you in a moment, unlikely or untimely, and suddenly you find yourself connected to humanity in a way that shocks you. And this greatness will hold you up so high and strong that any previous version of yourself seems flimsy.”

~ Timberland Boot Company advertisement

Activity:

The facilitator explains that each group of participants has been given 5 to 10 minutes of prime time television to address over 50 million Americans about your deepest concerns for your organization or community. Everything is provided: writers, production crew, camera, etc. The facilitator asks the participants to think about these questions as they form small groups:

1. What will you put on the screen?
2. What does your group want to say?
3. How will you say it? Drama? Documentary? Comedy? Musical?
4. Who will help you? Who is in the cast?

The facilitator divides the participants into 3 or 4 groups of 4 to 5 participants. Groups should not be too large. Small groups meet and determine what their concern will be. Groups should take five minutes to let participants think through their concerns and then share with the larger group.

Then, the smaller group decides their focus and begins to plan their television appearance. They may include people, not in the group, that they would like to be present for their presentation. The presentation can be on a community concern or, if participants are from an organization, they may want to present an organizational concern. After 10 to 15 minutes, the facilitator brings the groups back together.

PRIME TIME PRESENTATIONS
The facilitator serves as the moderator for the television show. He/she sets the stage for the presentations, “ This evening we are going to be entertained by groups of philanthropists who will be presenting concerns they have about their community and/or organization. They will be sharing their gifts and talents with the viewing audience to make a case for their concern. After the presentation, the audience will have an opportunity to contribute to the concern you feel closest to by offering to volunteer, sending a check, or using your talents to help with the concern.”

Each group has from 5 to 10 minutes on stage to give their presentation. Moderator keeps the action moving smoothly and watches the time of each presentation.

OPTION
Facilitator might consider getting a video camera and monitor and film the presentation. The participants could critique their presentation and ways to make it better.

Processing:

The facilitator leads the group in discussion:

1. Were any of you surprised by the depth of your feeling about the concern? Did this help or hinder you?
2. To make a strong case for the concern, what characteristics do you need to work on or develop?
3. Did your presentation mention the giving of time, talents, and treasure? What else?
4. What skills would you need to be able to present an issue or concern before the Board of your organization or before the City Council?
5. Would you consider that your group had taken “philanthropic action” in the presentation?
   

Application:

If the participants represent an organization, they might consider making their presentation before the Board of Directors, making it aware of their concerns. If the participants come from the community, they might want to call their city council person and share their concerns with him or her. Participants might want to take more time to refine their presentation and add more voices to the presentation.