Learning to Give (LTG) has launched a set of resources focused on social justice issues and civic engagement to support students, teachers and youth philanthropy during this unprecedented school year.
Learning to Give (LTG) has launched a set of resources focused on social justice issues and civic engagement to support students, teachers and youth philanthropy during this unprecedented school year.
The new resources were designed by educators to provide activities and experiences that build community while promoting awareness of self and empathy for others and facilitating the intersection between home and school.
“When the pandemic hit everyone globally (but not equally) and called each of us to respond with generosity, Learning to Give responded by sharing some helpful talking points about how to talk to children about the pandemic in a socially responsible way, as well as about the philanthropic role we can all take in making the situation better,” Betsy Peterson, LTG’s executive director said.
The new lessons and activity guides feature supports for students and teachers to discuss issues surrounding racial and economic equity, including:
Simple service guides that students can complete at home.
Literature guides for books written by and about diverse populations, to better tell the stories of underrepresented people.
Stories from Black philanthropy to demonstrate how to best support diverse populations.
While school openings were uncertain over the summer, LTG adapted the materials for both in-person and virtual instruction to help prepare teachers to discuss inequities in the context of the pandemic and how students can learn about and advocate for justice and equity.
“Over the summer, we hired some of our best teachers and ambassadors to plan and write content for the fall that would address three critical topics: how to build a classroom community even if you aren’t together, how to address social and emotional needs, and how to talk about social justice in our limited teaching time,” Peterson said. “They created several relevant and easy-to-follow resources, including social emotional learning videos and activities, literature guides and a full social justice facilitator’s guide for remote teaching.”
LTG worked closely with youth working in Michigan philanthropy—including the Michigan Community Foundation’s Youth Project (MCFYP) and Youth Action Committees (YAC) across the state—to decide which issues and skills would be key. A free online Youth Group Facilitator Guide was launched to help guide discussions and lessons about philanthropy, service and citizen engagement with youth this school year.
These resources are designed to inspire students to learn more about philanthropy and its role in creating a more equitable future for all Michiganders.
“We have a rich tradition of social action and citizenship in our country,” Peterson said. “In a time of crisis, we look to generosity to guide our next steps for more conversation. The guided facilitation in our Social Justice focused resource takes learners through a journey of empathy, making decisions, taking voluntary action and finally telling our own stories and the stories of others to make a better world.”
Want more?
Learn more about Learning to Give.
View the Social Justice and Civic Engagement curriculum.
Learn about CMF’s youth philanthropy efforts.
