For Schools K-12
Even kindergartners have ideas about how to help society…
School supplies for a one room schoolhouse in Africa for children who don’t have money to buy school books, a program for beach cleanups, a program to plant trees and a program to teach kupuna (elders) how to use the iPad. Which one resonates with you? These were some of the projects that elementary students decided how to fund in peer groups during a grant-making workshop I taught during the annual career day at a local school.
Student teams ranging from kindergarten to third grade were given a “grant portfolio” with different projects and play money. Our lesson plan included learning how values influence who and where we choose to help, the importance of giving back to community even in non-monetary ways and using empathy to understand people.
My students taught me that even kindergartners have ideas about ranking community needs and priorities. They were rich with ideas of how to help society. They share the same concerns that you and I have — homelessness, environmental pollution, supporting schools and learning opportunities, how to help people who feel sad and how to best take care of our elders. You are never too young to learn how to exercise leadership.
I have designed the following courses which can be adjusted for student grade level/ If you are interested in learning more or having me teach a workshop or give a presentation at your school, please contact me.
ROOT CAUSES & GRASSROOTS SOLUTIONS
In this course designed for secondary school (Grades 6-8) students learn about how to identify root causes of social issues. They also learn about different approaches to solving the challenges our society faces.
Topics: Critical Thinking, Global Issues, Grants, Social Entrepreneurship, Nonprofits, Community Organizing
GRANTMAKING FOR KIDS
Designed for secondary school (Grades 6-8) students learn about grant-making. How do values impact decisions? What issues motivate you? How do you build awareness? What is the role of nonprofits? How do you budget money? What are you skills or superpowers? What other tools can you use besides money?
Topics: Word Problems, Public Speaking, Math, Values, Critical Thinking
GRANTWRITING FOR TEENS
Designed for secondary school (7-12) students learn how to write a grant proposal. What is the issue you want to focus on? What is a project? How do you make a budget? How do you tell if a project is successful? What is your mission? Vision? Who do you need to help you?
Topics: Word Problems, Public Speaking, Math, Values, Statistics, Evaluation, Survey Design
PATHWAYS TO COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Designed for high school (Grades 9-12) students learn about social justice, community organizing and nonprofits.
Topics: Values, nonprofits and NGOs, global institutions, policy, testimony, complex problem solving, stakeholder analysis, grant writing.
