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

Objectives:

• To begin to recognize the importance of other people to our life
• To appreciate the need for volunteers to work together to accomplish goals
• To experience the power of showing appreciation

Activity Theme:

“Thanks is such a simple word, left behind it means a lot, left unsaid its meaning is lost.”

~Unknown

The quote above introduces the participants to the purpose of the session. The facilitator asks the participants to have a seat around the tables. Discussion begins with a question, “What does the quote mean to you?” Participants begin to call out responses. The discussion should get the participants to talk about the importance of saying “Thank You” when someone does something for them.

Another important point to bring out is that it means a great deal to a person to be thanked. When people forget about thanking some¬one that person may never know how much they were appreciated for what they did. Facilitator asks the participants to think back to a time when they were thanked — or not thanked for something they had done. This discussion sets the theme for the activity.

• What did it feel like?
• Were they surprised?
• Would they do something for that person again?

Activity:

The facilitator asks the participants to think back to a time when they accomplished something that they were very proud of or excited about. Participants should write about that activity. The facilitator may need to give an example to get the group started. An event might be the day the Little League team won the championship. This would be written on the piece of paper.

The next step is to think of all the people who helped to accomplish this goal:

• My Mom — She drove me to all the games and practices.
• My Dad — He practiced with me on the weekends and washed my uniform.
• My Teammates — It took all of us to win.
• My Coach — He/she provided us with the leadership needed to win and would not
  let us complain or be discouraged when we lost games.
• My Neighbors — They gave me lawn-mowing jobs so I could earn money to buy my new glove.
  

Once the example is given and understood, participants need to take what they wrote on the paper and think of the people who helped them accomplish what they had written. The facilitator should mill around the room and offer help if participants are having difficulty with the assignment.

When everyone has completed the list, the participants should go through the list again and place a checkmark next to everyone who was very important to the event. Ask them to think about helpers who were essential to the final outcome? Look at the example given and ask who was the most impor¬tant person in helping you win the championship? Once you have determined who (just one) that person is, participant is ready to create a special certificate for them.

Creating Awards

They will be creating, “I Could Not Have Done It Without You” certificates of appreciation. The facilitator explains that the participants are going to thank the person they have checked. Each table should have craft supplies, paper, scissors, markers, and crayons, tape, and glue. The participant will create a special certificate to present to this person. The certificate should include:

• The name of the helper person
• Why they are being honored
• Who it is sending the thank you
• The date it is made!

Processing:

1. What did you learn from this activity?
2. How do you think people will respond when they receive the certificate?
3. Why is it important to thank people?
   

Options:

1. If it is not possible to schedule a special event to present the certificates, the participants might want to mail the certificate to the person. A short note could be included which explains why they are receiving the certificate.
2. A special event could be scheduled for the next training session. The person receiving the honor can be invited to a reception in his/her honor. The certificates can be presented and refresh¬ments served to honor these special people. This would be a Day of Thanks event. When the invitees leave, facilitator should ask the participants to share their thoughts about the event.
   - How did they feel giving the certificate to the special person?
   - How did the person receiving the certificate feel?
   - Are there other people you would like to thank?
   - Has anyone given you a special “Thank You”?

The facilitator points out to the participants the power they have to brighten someone’s day by just saying, “Thank You.” Remember to look them in the eye and say it with meaning.

Application:

The participants should begin practicing the power they have to brighten someone’s day by just saying, “Thank You!” Participants should begin to pay attention to all the people throughout the day who have done things for them. They should begin to say thank you specifically for what was done for them. Many times people say “Thanks” in a routine way and do not look at the person or bother saying their name or saying why you are thanking them. Try this idea starting today.
“Suppose a neighbor brings you home from school after soccer practice. Instead of jumping out of the car and yelling “Thanks” as you are heading toward your house, stop and look your neighbor in the eye and say, “Thank You, Mrs./Mr.____________ for bringing me home tonight. I would not have been able to stay for practice if you hadn’t gone out of your way to bring me home.”

“Watch the neighbor’s reaction: surprise, delight, appreciation, and a smile will appear.” Try practicing this same method with other people. Check their reactions.