STUDENT MATERIALS
What role does money play in community problem-solving?
“Talking About ‘Influencers’”
In this activity, you will reflect on the people and things that influence their thoughts and decisions. Then, you will consider what this means for influencing policymakers. To begin the activity, you will fill out a quick write handout about the definition of “influence.”
“What Is Lobbying?”
In this activity, you will learn about how special interest groups influence public policy through lobbying. First, you will analyze some sources (a webpage and a video). After some reflection, you will watch two more videos. Finally, after more reflection, you will review what you know by watching one more video.
Represent Us sources
PBS and C-SPAN videos
“Analyzing PSAs”
In this activity, you will consider whether the budget associated with an awareness campaign determines how successful it can be. Working in small groups, you will watch and discuss the video PSAs featured on the provided handout.
“Cost-Benefit Analysis – Awareness Campaigns”
In this activity, you will complete cost-benefit analysis practice problems related to launching an awareness campaign. Working in small groups, you will do the practice problems on the provided handout.
“Cost-Benefit Analysis – Awareness Campaigns” handout
“Market Research”
In this activity, you will learn about how market research can help you better understand intangible costs and benefits. You will work in small groups to answer the questions on the handout below.
“Raising Awareness in the 21st Century”
In this activity, you will discover how the economics of awareness campaigns has been revolutionized by 21st Century technology. You will first read an article and complete a corresponding handout. Later, you will watch a TED Talk about what makes something “go viral.” You may also want to discuss the “Mr Beast” article listed below.
“How the Internet Transformed Climate Activism” article
“How the Internet Transformed Climate Activism” handout
“What Makes Something Go Viral?”
“YouTuber MrBeast Shares How Much an Average Video Costs to Make for Him”
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Fundraising
In this activity, you will practice making wise economic decisions related to different fundraising strategies. In small groups, you will complete either the “product fundraisers” handout or the “service fundraisers” handout. Then, you will read an article about school fundraisers and complete a corresponding handout, followed by a handout about professional fundraising companies. Finally, you will read an article about high-budget fundraising events and complete a corresponding handout.
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Product Fundraisers
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Service Fundraisers
“The Secret World Behind School Fundraisers”
“The Secret World Behind School Fundraisers” handout
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Fundraising Companies
“Let Them Eat Caviar” – handout
Fundraising: To Suggest or Not to Suggest?
In this activity, you will learn how and when to set “default” donation values. You will read one of the following articles.
“When and How Fundraisers Should Suggest How Much to Donate” – Harvard Business Review
“How to Set Suggested Donation Amounts that Drive Conversions” – WP Simple Pay