Are you looking for a way to spark meaningful conversations about service, history, and community involvement with young adults? The discussion guide, "Service and the Role of Young People," based on the film THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt, is the perfect resource.
This guide explores the vibrant spirit of activism and willingness to disrupt the status quo that has historically defined youth involvement. It’s a powerful reminder that age does not necessarily determine the capacity for leadership and impactful change.
Why this matters today
The guide is built around three core objectives:
Understand History: Delve into the historical context of youth involvement in service, from the American Revolution to modern movements.
Explore Modern Service: Discuss what service means in various communities today and encourage participants to reflect on their own experiences.
Inspire Action: Motivate and inspire involvement in local service opportunities and commit to a specific action within the community.
Young people who shaped a nation
The resource powerfully illustrates the impact of young voices by highlighting figures from the American Revolution who played crucial roles in shaping the nascent nation:
James Monroe — 16
Aaron Burr — 19
Alexander Hamilton — 20.
James Madison — 24.
Phillis Wheatley — was only 14 when her first poem was published and was later personally praised by George Washington for her work.
Their collective contributions profoundly influenced the course of American history, demonstrating that young voices have always been pivotal in the quest for justice and the establishment of democratic principles.
Discussion topics to spark dialogue
The guide offers a robust set of discussion questions, encouraging critical thinking and a commitment to service among youth. Topics include:
Historical Parallels: Comparing the activism of young people during the Revolution with current youth movements.
Rallying Cries: Identifying the calls for justice during the Revolution and comparing them to contemporary calls for justice.
New Approaches: Considering innovative or unconventional ways to serve in your community.
Online vs. Offline: Discussing the balance between online activism and in-person service and how they can complement each other.
Supplemental resource: Kaleb Sy - How youth are getting involved
The National Service Symposium showcased the inspirational youth speaker Kaleb Sy, who delivered a powerful speech emphasizing the pivotal role of young people in service throughout history. Kaleb's address delved into the evolution of service, highlighting how young voices have actively shaped significant movements for change. He shared compelling stories from past generations, illustrating how youth have led the charge for social justice and community well-being, often in the face of adversity.
Kaleb's call to action urges viewers to think critically about their own contributions to society and the importance of service in cultivating a better future. With clarity and passion, he reminds us that serving others is not just a duty, but a moral imperative that propels society toward higher standards of equity and justice.