Citizenship: Get Involved!

Question: What's the best way to become a good citizen?
Answer: Get involved!
And the Web offers plenty of sites where your students find out what being involved is all about.

Before launching into a community involvement project with students, you might want to inspire them with stories of famous citizens — who got on their celebrated paths by being involved. The National Women's Hall of Fame features women who have made a difference — from suffragette Susan B. Anthony, to educator Mary McLeod Bethune, to politician Barbara Jordan. Next, students can read about ordinary citizens who have made a difference with a visit to The Giraffe Project. This site features stories about people who have stuck their necks out — like giraffes — to help others.

After all this inspiration, are they ready to get involved? There are plenty of organizations that would love to have your students' help. Do your kids like to get their hands dirty? Kids for a Clean Environment was started by Mellissa Poe when she was nine years old! This young lady from Nashville created a Kid's Yard — a place where animals and plants could live. Join up and learn how to make a difference in the environment.

Perhaps your students like building things? Join President Jimmy Carter's favorite way to help out — Habitat for Humanity. This organization invites people of all ages to get involved by building housing for those in need. Here students can read true success stories about how the organization has helped others. Information about participating in a group near them is also available.

What better way to get involved than to take part in the tenth annual Make a Difference Day. Here, students can find project ideas for their community, or organize their own projects. By the way, if they're going to help out, you may want to keep in mind that Make a Difference Day happens on October 24, 2001.

Still need help in coming up with an idea? Students can find out about volunteer opportunities in their community by typing in their zip code at the award-winning site SERVnet!

However you and your students decide to do it, getting involved in the community can be a rewarding, self-esteem-building experience. Remember, you're already part of the community, so get involved!

National Women's Hall of Fame
http://www.greatwomen.org

The Giraffe Project
http://www.giraffe.org

Kids for a Clean Environment
http://www.kidsface.org

Habitat for Humanity International
http://www.habitat.org

Make a Difference Day
http://www.usaweekend.com/
diffday

SERVnet!
http://www.servenet.org