ACTIVITY 1
The Vision Thing |
Directions
Ask students: "What do you want to see happen in
your neighborhoods?" Focus on solutions instead of
problems. Write student responses on the board.
Examples
Fair cops, more
jobs, more things to do to keep kids off the street, more
trash cans, day care, a park
Directions
Ask the class to think of the
kinds of actions that would have a positive effect on the lives of
the people they know or on the communities they live in. Emphasize
that even the smallest gestures can make a big difference. Point out
to students that all the actions they mentioned are examples of civic
participation. They are all examples of participating in life in a
positive way that makes this a better place for them and for the people
they care about. Supplement student examples with readings. The
Change Agent, published by the New
England Literacy Resource Center, provides a variety of articles and
teaching resorces about civic participation. You can browse a selection
of articles from recent issues, or download entire issues in Adobe
Acrobat PDF format.
Examples
of Civic Participation
- Helping someone who is
really down in the dumps feel better by either
talking to them or be getting them out
- Making decisions or
accomplishing something that provides a brother
or sister with a positive model or that makes the
people important to you proud
- doing something for your
community
- helping an elderly person
- staying in school when you
really want to quit
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