Venturing into the Local Community

Growing Philanthropically

Children in the upper elementary grades are capable of understanding fairly sophisticated ideas about serving others. They're old enough to begin to volunteer more actively, and to handle basic concepts related to giving and sharing.

Acts of helping and sharing increase at this age, though the practices will decrease before rising again in high school. Older children are better able to help than young elementary children because of their greater skills and abilities. Adults will ask for their help more often for this same reason. This age will bring, in some, the vision to see solutions to problems or the realization that they can, at least, be a part of a solution.

Philanthropy Concepts for the Upper Elementary Age Child

By fifth grade, your children should be familiar with the following philanthropic concepts:

• Philanthropy as sharing time, talent, and treasure.
• The term “common good” and its importance.
• Nonprofit organizations and how they are different from government and for-profit organizations.
• A community or historical figure who has acted philanthropically and her philanthropic act.
• The differences between private property and public, or common property.
• An historical or contemporary example of how a person acting through the nonprofit sector has made a positive change in society.

Student artwork "Mother Teresa" by Brandi, Brethren High School, Brethren, MI

Ideas for You and Your Children

Build on School History Lessons

Most children in this age group will be learning about early American History starting with the Pilgrims through the Civil War. When they learn about these events in school, you can discuss the philanthropic themes as your children talk to you about their school subjects.

The Civil War era, for instance, offers many lessons in democracy and philanthropy. Visit a local African-American museum, the Urban League , the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), or other local civil rights organization. Discuss slavery. Talk about volunteerism in the context of discussions about abolitionists, the Underground Railroad, and the citizens who sheltered runaway slaves. Talk about slave “conductors” on the Underground Railroad who risked their lives to bring people north to freedom, and about the soldiers on both sides of the war who were volunteers. Make connections to other historical events, such as the sheltering of Jewish citizens during World War II and the creation of the Red Cross.

Build a Good Citizen Habit

Let your children know that elections are not popularity contests—there are important reasons why people vote for one candidate over another. Objectively present all candidates' sides. Give your children the opportunity to voice their choices and explain them. Take your children to the polls, campaign headquarters and on door-to-door pamphlet drops for “your” candidate.