Lesson 3: Proud to Be of Service

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Plan and execute at least one service project that kicks off on the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, September 11, 2012.

OBJECTIVE
Plan and execute at least one service project that kicks off on the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, September 11, 2012.

MATERIALS
A blackboard, whiteboard, or flip pad; paper/pens, Parent's Guide

DIRECTIONS

Teacher Note: This lesson is designed for students of all ages. However, you know your students best. Use the tips here to help you tailor the materials to younger students.

Directions:

1. Remind students why they are participating in a 9/11 Day of Service project by sharing this statement made by President George W. Bush on December 11, 2001: “Now we have inscribed a new memory alongside those others. It’s a memory of tragedy and shock, of loss and mourning. But not only of loss and mourning. It’s also a memory of bravery and self-sacrifice, and the love that lays down its life for a friend–even a friend whose name it never knew.” Encourage students to use this project to bring out the best in themselves and to live every day in the hopeful and caring spirit 9/11 inspired.
   
   
2. Write the name of your 9/11 Day of Service project (or projects) in the center of the board. Circle the project name (or names) and create a word web for each by surrounding the project name with the following words:
   a.    Project Managers
   b.    Volunteer Coordinators
   c.    Event Planner
   d.    Publicity Organizers
   
   
3. Explain that every member of the class has a role to play. Discuss the four roles on the word web:
   
   a.    Project Managers will create a schedule and work to make sure that all deadlines are met. Project managers will help other teams whenever necessary. After the event, they will coordinate sending thank you notes to volunteers and supporters.
   
   b.    Volunteer Coordinators will be responsible for identifying and signing up volunteers. They will also be responsible for assigning specific tasks to volunteers on the day of the event.
   
   c.    Event Planners will organize the details of the event itself. They will get permissions, coordinate with other organizations, collect all supplies, and make sure that the event runs smoothly.
   
   d.    Publicity organizers will create publicity for the event. They will contact radio stations and newspapers, create Web sites, and connect with the community using social networking Web sites such as Facebook. They will also be responsible for taking pictures and interviewing participants on the day of the event.
   
   
4. Invite students to select the teams they would like to work on. Each team should choose a leader who will help keep them on track and inspire participation. Empower each team to take charge of their “area of expertise” so they feel a sense of ownership and pride in their accomplishments. If students are working individually, monitor each person as he or she completes the following steps on their own.
   
   
5. Instruct each team to work together to develop a plan based on the following questions:
   
   a.    Project Managers: How much time will it take to accomplish the project? Create a schedule that breaks each step into small, easily achievable actions such as: ask your teacher to notify the organization of your intentions; reserve a space for your event (if necessary); send out/collect permission forms. Set specific dates for completing each task using a large calendar.
   
   b.    Volunteer Coordinators: How many volunteers will you need? What specific tasks will you need volunteers to do? Develop a specific plan for reaching out to volunteers. Every volunteer will need a specific job or task, so also create a list of what those tasks will be. For example, if you decide to collect toys for children at a local homeless shelter, volunteers will be needed to request toys, make radio announcements, hang posters and flyers, collect toys from drop-off boxes in the community, separate the donated toys into age-appropriate categories, deliver toys to the shelter, and more. Remember, sometimes only 50 percent of the people who say, “Yes, I’ll help!” actually show up on the day of the event. Plan accordingly!
   
   c.    Event Planners: If your activity includes an event, you will need to plan it carefully. Make a plan that answers these questions: Who do you need to talk to in order to begin planning? Do you need permission from anyone? What kind of space do you need? Can the organization you are helping assist you in any way? How can you get items donated? How many people and how much time will it take to set up? For example, if you are hosting a music night at a local retirement home, you will need to work with the retirement home to choose a time and space that works for the residents, rehearse the music, and collect costumes and props.
   
   d.    Publicity Organizers: Publicity and marketing are important parts of every service project. It inspires the community, generates more volunteers, and draws attention to the cause you are supporting. Mainstream publicity includes newspapers, online journals or blogs, and radio stations. Grassroots marketing includes flyers, posters, and word-of-mouth advertising. Social media marketing uses such resources as Facebook, Twitter, blogs, and other online communities to get the word out. All modes of publicity and promotion require you to draft, send, and follow up on your publicity materials. What is your plan for making the most out of your publicity and marketing efforts?
   
   
6. Ask each team to present their plans to the entire class and describe the specific responsibility of each team member. (Your students will become more engaged in this project if they each have specific achievable goals and tasks.) Moderate a discussion about the project plans, make suggestions for improvements, and remind students that they need to work together to accomplish each step of the project.
   
   
7. Finalize each team’s plan by assigning specific completion dates to each task. Contact the organization you would like to help with details about your service event. Post the time line in an easy-to-see place and encourage students to get started!
   
   
8. Send home the Family Handout to let parents know what your class is planning and to provide tips that will help them participate in the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance.
   
   
9. As the teacher, you will be the Timekeeper and Award Giver. Make sure that teams are sharing their accomplishments and challenges with the entire class. Consider:
   •    Providing awards for teams who reach their goals on time or ahead of schedule.
   •    Creating an “Accomplishment” poster that easily shows how close you are to completing project tasks in preparation of the service event.
   •    Marking off each team’s accomplishments on a large classroom calendar during a daily update.
   
   
10. During or after class, go to 911day.org, and assist your students in adopting causes for 9/11 or posting good deeds or class service plans.

TEACHERS OF YOUNG STUDENTS
Consider appointing at least one adult advisor to each of the four teams. This adult will guide students as they plan their service event and work with you to coordinate activities, permissions, and the time line.

PLANNING TIPS

• Materials: Make a list of everything students will need to complete the project. Then develop a plan for asking people in the community to donate these materials. For example, if you decide to run a pet adoption drive for your local shelter, you will need art supplies to create posters and flyers, a place to show and tell people about the adorable animals, leashes, cages, or crates for the animals and other resources.
  
  
• Financial concerns: If your class would like to participate in a project that requires some financial support, there are grants available through the Semester of Service program.
  
  
• Record the end result! Don’t forget to document your success. Assign several students to take photographs, collect newspaper articles, and obtain audio recordings of radio interviews.
  
  
• Complete the circle: The end of your event is not the end of this project. Remember to send a press release with photos and/or a video to media outlets after your project is complete. Resulting publicity will generate more enthusiasm and support for your selected cause.
  
  
• Time line off track? Don’t be afraid to start from scratch. Use what you’ve learned to create a more realistic schedule and create a “recognition program” to provide an incentive to stay on schedule.
  
  
• Look for partners! Many community organizations including 4-H groups, scout troops, and Rotary Clubs will be willing to help mount your project. These organizations have access to volunteers and publicity so if you are tackling a big project, bring on an established partner.

Go to 911day.org to find resources to help you plan your service project and teach about the events of September 11, 2001. You will find a database of local service projects, tool kits to help you plan your event, and lesson plans and resources about the 9/11 terror attacks. Use these handy resources to help your students understand the spirit of unity that tragedy can inspire.