Engaging with Local Associations and Groups
Guiding Question:
- How can civil society solve local problems?
Objectives
- Students will understand the importance of local associations and groups in their lives and civil society.
- Students will research a group to learn how this group solves local problems.
Resources
- Student Involvement in Civil Society Groups Educator Resource
- Computers with internet access
- Chart paper and markers
- Sticky notes
- Reflection journals
Anticipate
- Start with a brief discussion on the importance of local community groups and associations in civil society.
- Remind students that civil society refers to the organizations, institutions, groups, and voluntary associations made up of citizens that operate independently from the government. Individuals voluntarily create and organize these entities around shared interests, goals, and values to advocate for specific issues, provide services, and contribute to the community welfare. Civil society includes a broad spectrum of organizations such as non-profits, charities, community groups, advocacy organizations, faith-based groups, professional associations, cultural institutions, and grassroots movements. These organizations or groups provide an arena for people to govern themselves locally through deliberation and forging consensus. Through civil society, community members of different backgrounds and viewpoints can come together with a variety of perspectives to find common solutions to problems that matter to them. In working together, they learn to cooperate and compromise for the common good.
- Ask students “What are some local groups or associations you know of? In what ways do these groups impact our community?”
- Facilitation Note: Students may already be members of groups, and their experiences would help to facilitate the discussion. For example, the student council could host a parents’ day out during the holidays and provide babysitting services while parents shop or wrap presents. The football team could offer lawn mowing services for elderly neighbors, the youth group could organize a clothing drive, and the National Honor Society chapter could host a canned food drive.
- Write down key points from the discussion on the whiteboard.
Engage
- Divide students into pairs or small groups.
- Instruct each group to choose one association from the list or another local group they are interested in learning about. To help students research a group or organization, use the Student Involvement in Civil Society Groups Educator Resource.
- Using computers, each group will research their chosen group. Encourage students to explore the group’s website, news articles, and other relevant sources. Students should research the following:
- the group’s history, mission, and activities
- how the group impacts the community
- ways that individuals can get involved
- Using chart paper and markers, each group will create a poster of their findings.
Explore
- Have each group display their posters around the room.
- Conduct a gallery walk where students can circulate and review each other’s work.
- Provide sticky notes for students to leave positive feedback or questions on other group posters. Here are a few examples of topics students can leave on their sticky notes:
- How does this group contribute to a healthy civil society?
- How does this group address community challenges?
Reflect
- Lead a class discussion on the overall significance of local associations and groups to support healthy individuals and communities.
- Encourage students to reflect on how these groups can address community needs, promote civic engagement, and foster social cohesion.
- Here are reflection questions to get the conversation started:
- How can civil society solve local problems?
- How does participating in local associations and groups enhance the practice of civic virtues for individuals and the community as a whole?
- In what ways do local associations and groups promote civic engagement and participation in the democratic process?
Extend
- To further encourage and support student involvement in civil society, consider incorporating these activities into their learning.
- Guest Speakers:
- Invite representatives from various community groups to speak to the class about their work and the importance of civic engagement. Follow your school or district’s protocols on inviting guest speakers.
- Community Service Day:
- Organize a day where students can volunteer with a local organization, providing hands-on experience in community service. Follow your school or district’s processes for organizing a day in the community.
- Class Bulletin Board:
- Create a bulletin board in the classroom displaying different local organizations, their missions, and contact information.
Student Handouts
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