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

Objectives:

• To have participants discover the common interest and situations they have among the group
• To begin to share volunteer experiences with one another

Activity Theme:

The facilitator knows that young participants developmentally need more physical activity when involved in a training session. The energizer can be done after a slower paced activity, after lunch, to start the train¬ing session.
This activity has two purposes:
- To find similarities and differences among the group participants
- To bring movement to the training

Activity:

The facilitator instructs the group to form a circle with the chairs facing the center of the circle. He/she explains that a question will be asked of the total group. If the answer to the question is “yes,” the person stands up and finds a new chair to sit in. One important rule: participants have to move more than one chair away when finding the new chair. If the answer is “no,” the person is to remain seated.

The facilitator begins the questions. Questions can cover general areas or be specific topics that might be covered in the training. Sample questions follow.

General:

• Have you ever lived in another state?
• Are you the oldest child in your family?
• Do you like to read?
• Do you like to talk on the telephone?

Specific:

• Have you ever volunteered in the community?
• Have you ever helped out at home without being asked?
• Has your family ever helped out a neighbor?
• Do you like to do things that help other people?
• Have you ever helped raise money for a charity or cause?
• Have you ever given your own money to something you care about?
• Have you shared one of your talents or skills with the community?
• Have you shared one of your talents or skills with school, your church, or youth organization?

  
  After about 5 minutes the facilitator will ask a question and find a chair. The result will be that one person remains standing. That person can then ask the questions to the group. When the facilitator is ready to end the game, the facilitator steps back into the center after the leader’s question and the game ends.

Processing Questions:

1. What are some ways that you discovered that you are like others in the group?
2. What did you learn about someone that you did not know before?
3. How do the things we just identified help describe a philanthropist?
4. In what ways does your sharing of your time, talent, and treasure with the community make it a better place to live?