Unit 4 Integrated Project: What does it mean to be an “Author of Change”?

Overview

Our community is filled with people who make changes that benefit others. These changes affect the environment, politics, economics, culture, health/medicine, and spiritual life. Some people do this through their paid work, others through volunteering, and still others through the lifestyle choices that they make. For our Culminating Project this year, you can work individually or with ONE partner. Your will be assigned to FIND one “Author of Change” in our community, to SPEND A DAY OR MORE with this person, to DOCUMENT the work that he/she does, and to CREATE A PRESENTATION to showcase this person’s contributions to our community. During the last week of the school year, students will use this experience to begin writing the Culminating Project (“Senior Project”) proposal.

Important Dates

Fri April 25 Students begin to brainstorm potential Authors of Change

Mon April 28 Bring names and 1 paragraph descriptions of 2 Authors of Change for teacher approval. Once approved, students may begin to contact Authors of Change

Fri May 2 Student must bring EVIDENCE that Author of Change has been contacted and has agreed to participate in project

Fri May 16 Student must bring EVIDENCE that Job Shadow and Interview have been completed

June 2-17 All Integrated Studies classes devoted to Unit 4 Project

June, date TBD 10^th Grade Community Exhibition Night to Showcase “Authors of Change” projects

Who Qualifies as an “Author of Change”?

• Must be a community member who devotes significant time on a regular basis to making positive changes that directly or indirectly benefit other members of our community
• If “AOC” is paid for their work, s/he should ideally work for a non-profit organization
• If “AOC” serves as a volunteer, s/he should volunteer at least 10 hours per week for a non-profit organization
• If “AOC” serves as a role model through lifestyle choices, s/he must demonstrate a far-above-average commitment through his/her day-to-day activities

What Should You Do Before, During, and After the Job Shadow?

• Schedule the Job Shadow for a 3-4 hour block either before noon, after school, or on a weekend. Make sure to complete a “Field Trip Form” for your absence (provided.)
• Be sure to confirm your appointment at least 24 hours before your arrival.
• Make sure you are familiar with your AOC and the organization they work for.
• Observe, ask questions, and take notes, tape recordings, photographs and/or video. Make sure to ask permission for tape recordings, photos and video.
• Set aside at least 20 minutes for a formal interview with your Author of Change.
• Mail a thoughtfully-written “Thank You” note to your AOC within 48 hours.

What Will the Final Exhibition Look Like?

• The purpose of each student’s exhibition is to highlight the selected Author of Change, inform the larger community of this person’s work, and to demonstrate gratitude for this person’s contributions to our community.
• The Exhibition must be a creative/artistic representation of the AOC and his/her work. This may include: photographs, paintings, mixed-media, videos, monologue, or spoken word. Check with your teacher BEFORE beginning your exhibition piece.