A) Why do we volunteer:
To discover new frontiers of knowledge (to learn)
To support and encourage excellence
To enable people to exercise their potential (to help people be what they want to be be)
To relieve human suffering
To preserve and enhance democratic government and institutions
To make communities a better place to live
To nourish the spirit (because we are human)
To create tolerance, understanding, and peace among people
To remember the dead
To have fun and build a community
B) Assessment
Needs of kids at our school:
1. ____________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________
Things that need to be done around school:
1. _____________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________
3. _____________________________________________
Things that need to be done in our neighborhood:
1. _____________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________
3. _____________________________________________
Things that need to be done in our community:
1. _____________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________
3. _____________________________________________
C) Brainstorm - What ideas can we think of to help?
D) The Plan - How can we put our ideas into action?
Adapted from: Valerie Williams, Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids, St. Alphonsus Elementary School, Grand Rapids, MI
Direct link to lesson planVolunteerism worksheet