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Student Involvement in Civil Society Groups Educator Resource

Teacher Guide on Student Involvement in  Civil Society Groups  

Objectives

  • Help students identify and engage with various civil society groups. 
  • Remind students of the different organizations that exist around them.  
  • Teach students keywords and phrases to help them find and understand the roles of these groups while suggesting activities to help students become more involved.  

What is Civil Society?

  • Civil society refers to the organizations, institutions, groups, and voluntary associations made up of groups of citizens that operate independently from the government. Individuals voluntarily create and organize these entities  around shared interests, goals, and values. 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 groups may advocate for specific issues, provide services, and contribute to community welfare. 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. In working together, they learn to cooperate and compromise for the common good. 

Benefits of Engaging with Civil Society Groups

  • Engaging with civil society groups offers numerous benefits, particularly for students. Here are a few key advantages to inspire student involvement: 
  • Community Involvement: Being part of these groups helps students feel more connected to their community. 
  • Skill Development: Participation in various organizations can help develop leadership, teamwork, and organizational skills. 
  • Networking: Students can meet new people, make friends, and build relationships with mentors and community leaders. 
  • Civic Responsibility: Engaging in community activities fosters a sense of responsibility and commitment to making a positive impact. 

How to Find Community Groups

  • To help students find a community group to join, here are some effective places to search. Below, you will find a list of general civil society groups along with keywords and phrases to aid in their searches. 
  • Online Searches: Use keywords and phrases such as “community service organizations near me,” student groups in [your town],” “youth groups in [your town],” or “local cultural societies.”      
  • Local Directories: Check community bulletins, local newspapers, or municipal websites for listings of active groups and upcoming events. 
  • Social Media: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Nextdoor often have community pages and groups where local organizations post updates and event information. 
  • Libraries and Community Centers: Visit local libraries and community centers, which often have bulletin boards and flyers about local groups and activities. 
  • School Counselors and Teachers: Ask school staff for information about school-affiliated groups and community service opportunities. 
  • Local Parks and Historical Sites: Ask staff at local civic locations like parks and historical sites about volunteer opportunities and groups. 

Civil Society Groups in Communities

  • Community Service Organizations: 
    • Examples: Rotary Club, Lions Club, Kiwanis Club 
    • Keywords/Phrases: community service, volunteer, civic engagement, service projects 
  • Youth Organizations: 
    • Examples: Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H Clubs, Boys and Girls Clubs 
    • Keywords/Phrases: youth development, leadership, scouting, after-school programs 
  • Cultural and Historical Societies: 
    • Examples: local historical societies, cultural heritage groups, museums 
    • Keywords/Phrases: cultural preservation, local history, heritage, museum events, literary societies  
  • Educational Groups: 
    • Examples: PTA/PTO, school clubs (debate, drama, science clubs) 
    • Keywords/Phrases: parent-teacher association, student clubs, extracurricular activities, school events 
  • Religious and Faith-Based Organizations: 
    • Examples: churches, synagogues, mosques, Knights of Columbus, youth groups 
    • Keywords/Phrases: faith community, religious services, youth ministry, community outreach 
  • Environmental Groups: 
    • Examples: Sierra Club, local conservation groups, community gardens 
    • Keywords/Phrases: environmental conservation, sustainability, green initiatives, nature preservation 
  • Health and Wellness Organizations: 
    • Examples: Red Cross, local health clinics, fitness groups 
    • Keywords/Phrases: health services, blood drives, wellness programs, fitness classes 
  • Arts and Music Organizations: 
    • Examples: community theater, choirs, art councils, dance troupes 
    • Keywords/Phrases: performing arts, visual arts, community theater, music ensembles 
  • Advocacy Groups: 
    • Examples: NAACP, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, disability rights organizations 
    • Keywords/Phrases: civil rights, advocacy, equality, social justice 
  • Support Groups: 
    • Examples: Alcoholics Anonymous, grief support groups, parenting groups 
    • Keywords/Phrases: peer support, recovery groups, emotional support, counseling 

Activity Suggestions

Teacher Note: Your district or school may have policies in place for vetting guest speakers and sharing group information with students. These organizations may also deal with topics that may be sensitive for some learners. Plan ahead to ensure a seamless activity. 

To further encourage and support student involvement in civil society, consider incorporating these activities into their learning.  

  • Group Research Project: 
    • Assign students to research a local civil society group and present their findings to the class, focusing on the group’s mission, activities, and how students can get involved. 
  • Guest Speakers: 
    • Invite representatives from various community groups to speak to the class about their work and the importance of civic engagement. 
  • Community Service Day: 
    • Organize a day where students can volunteer with a local organization, providing hands-on experience in community service. 
  • Class Bulletin Board: 
    • Create a bulletin board in the classroom showcasing different local organizations, their missions, and contact information.