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Make the Connection! Core Democratic Values and Philanthropy

Unit of 5 lessons

6th-8th Grade

Subjects:

Library / Technology, Philanthropy and Social Studies

Key Words/Concepts click to view

Lesson 1 :	PHIL:	5 genOn; 9/11genOn; Family
	SOC:	Common Good; Constitution of the United States; Core Democratic Values; Values
Lesson 2 :	PHIL:	Common Good
	SOC:	1 genOn; 10 genOn; 11 genOn; 12 genOn; 2 genOn; 4 genOn; Core Democratic Values; Good Character; Inquiry; Personal Virtue; Research; Timelines
Lesson 3 :	PHIL:	Common Good; Guidestar.org; Mission Statement; Nonprofit Organizations
	SOC:	1 genOn; 10 genOn; 11 genOn; 12 genOn; 2 genOn; 4 genOn; Core Democratic Values; Group Discussions
Lesson 4 :	PHIL:	Nonprofit Sector
	SOC:	1 genOn; 10 genOn; 11 genOn; 12 genOn; 2 genOn; 4 genOn; Core Democratic Values
Lesson 5 :	PHIL:	Community; Needs Assessment; Service Plan
	SOC:	1 genOn; 10 genOn; 11 genOn; 12 genOn; 2 genOn; 4 genOn; Rights/Responsibilities

Unit Overview:

In this unit, the learner will examine the Core Democratic Values of American democracy and connect these values to the area of philanthropy. Throughout our history, the independent sector has played a vital role in establishing the traditions exemplified in the Core Democratic Values - particularly in the area of our society's fundamental beliefs. From the earliest settlers in this country, to the first of the patriots, to the civil rights movements, the philanthropic sector has played an essential role in upholding and instructing citizens about the great traditions embodied in our Core Democratic Values. It is through the activities of the nonprofit and volunteer sector that the fundamental beliefs of the Core Democratic Values are passed on from one generation to another.

Unit Purpose:

The learner will trace the history of giving in America and connect examples to Core Democratic Values. The learner will also examine ways in which current organizations exemplify traditions of Core Democratic Values through the study of the mission statements of selected organizations. In addition, the learner will focus on ways in which they and their families take part in philanthropy and in upholding the fundamental beliefs of American Democracy. The final activity in the unit will involve students taking part in a project they select that will reinforce the connection between giving and the Core Democratic Values.

Unit Objectives:

The learner will:

differentiate between the fundamental beliefs and constitutional principles of the core values of American democracy.
define the fundamental beliefs.
identify five examples from periods of American history of people acting for the common good.
evaluate philanthropic organizations and their mission statements for the fundamental beliefs of American democracy they represent.
identify ways in which they and their families practice the Core Democratic Values.
illustrate the importance of the philanthropic sector in American society and in upholding Core Democratic Values.

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.

Students will complete a needs assessment in their local community, create a plan to address the identified needs, and implement the plan.

Unit Assessment:

Assessment for this unit is on-going as students progress through the lessons. In Lessons One, Three and Four a scoring guide has been included for assessment purposes. The effectiveness of the experiential lesson can also be used for assessment.

School/Home Connection:

The students will be asked to interview parents/guardians in Lesson Four of this unit. The questions to be asked in the interview are to be determined by the class as noted in the instructional procedures of Lesson Four. Also, parents/guardians are encouraged to participate with their students during the implementation phase of Lesson Five.