NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?
SUMMARY
Before the United States was founded, the idea of volunteering was well underway in the colonies. Now, Americans consistently donate more of their time than citizens of any other country. Judy Woodruff explores how the idea took root and why it’s become a part of our national identity. It’s part of her series, America at a Crossroads.
View the transcript of the story.
NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- Who volunteers more of their time on average than citizens of any other country?
- What is the Patagonia fire department, and what makes it unique?
- When was the first volunteer fire department founded, and who created it?
- How did the way the United States was founded contribute to the spirit of volunteering, according to Elisabeth Clemens?
- Why did members of the Patagonia fire department decide to volunteer their time (what are some examples they offer)?
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
- What is your theory for why people in the U.S. volunteer more of their time on average than people in any other country?
- In this segment, Mark Shriver of the Special Olympics says, "human beings are social animals, right? We want to be together. We want to do something that's good for the community, good for your neighborhood." Do you think this need to be social is what motivates people to volunteer their time? Do you think the ways people socialize for your generation also impacts the way they think about volunteering their time?
Media literacy: Why do you think journalist Judy Woodruff sought to draw a line between the earliest days of the United States and volunteering today? What was important about exploring the history of volunteering?
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
As a class, discuss — do you think there is a difference in volunteering and participation between your generation and previous generations?
Do you think your generation gives more of it's time or less, or about the same?
- Why do you think so, if you said more?
- Why do you think so, if you said less?
Watch the following segment in which Judy Woodruff interviews Robert Putnam, author of the book "Bowling Alone." Putnam says that civic participation is down when people become used to isolation. Do you think isolation is a special challenge for your generation? Why or why not?
Sign up to receive our weekly newsletter with Daily News Lessons and community events.
To provide feedback on News Hour Classroom's resources, including this lesson, click here.
