Self Organizing - Civil Pioneer Portraits

Overview
To recognize and bring focus people of great civic works, this project will truly let that person shine. It can be a great teaching tool for schools or community organizations that work with youth.

Supporting Organizations

• Schools
• YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs or other community organizations that work with youth

Materials

• Large sheet of cardboard
• Butcher paper or large sheet of paper to fit size of cardboard
• Elmer’s glue
• Scissors
• Glitter
• Picture frame
• Note card
• Marker

Instructions

• Identify a supporting organization that can verify your volunteer activities and accept your donation of a civil pioneer portrait. Participants should complete one portrait each.
• Find an image of a civil pioneer (such as Civil Rights Leader Martin Luther King, Jr.) or an act of service. You can find several examples on the following Websites.
• http://www.dailywordofgodgroup.com/images/helping-others.jpg
• http://www.millerdevelopment.info/Portals/0/images/paperpeople.jpg
• Gandhi: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_A3MBN4_lS8k/SadjhfTBdAI/AAAAAAAAAR8/65O5fDSQgp8/s400/ghandi.jpg
• Mother Teresa: http://nhop.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/mother_teresa_01.jpg
• Martin Luther King: http://entrylevelliving.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/martin_luther_king3.jpg
• Draw, trace, or use a projector to transfer the image to paper. Use shading to fill in the face if draw the image free hand.
• Glue the butcher paper to cardboard.
• Add glue and glitter colors of choice.
• Let dry.
• Frame the picture.
• Write something on the note card stating who is being represented and why.

Reflection
After your volunteer project, it is important to reflect on the experience – to think about what you did, what you learned from it and the impact it had. Here are some suggested activities:

• Tell your family and friends about something you learned and if/how you will continue to help others.
• Draw a picture, write a poem or create a jingle about the service activity.
• Write about your experience on your blog, FaceBook or Twitter.
• Write a letter to the editor to discuss your experience and encourage others to serve.
• If you’re working with a group of volunteers to do this project, lead a group discussion with questions such as:
• Why did you volunteer today?
• What did you learn about service, civil rights or the individual/service we honored through this project?
• What is one thing you will remember most about this service activity?
• How can you continue to make a difference in our community?