Seventh Grade Presents Philanthrophy Projects
Posted May 24, 2012
Our 7th grade students officially allocated their philanthropic class dollars in a special presentation that included representatives from the various recipient organizations, ranging from the Marin Humane Society, Conservation International, American Jewish World Service and Homeward Bound. "This project integrates all aspects of our program with our students' personal experience and values to impact the world at large in a very real, tangible way," said Hamutal Gavish, head of campus.
In the beginning of the school year, BHDS 7th grade families pool together resources that would otherwise go toward purchasing b'nai mitzvah gifts for each student and instead create a class fund to be used for philanthropic purposes. Students then spend a semester researching organizations they're passionate about and then deciding, as a class, how to donate the substantial amount raised.The nonprofits considered represent our students' concerns – health care, environment, poverty, education, hunger, and the "Other" in our midst.
"Through this project, our students learn about the power of choices, and use b'nai mitzvah gifts to heal the world," says Judaic studies teacher and project coordinator Beverly Pinto.
Several representatives from recipient organizations made brief acceptance presentations alongside our students.
The organizations chosen by our students included:
- Marin Humane Society
- The Trevor Project
- Mercy Corps
- Conservation International
- Playing for Change
- Marin Kids
- Villalobos Rescue Center
- American Jewish World Service
- Nature Conservancy
- San Francisco Bicycle Coalition
- Sea Shepherd
- Homeward Bound
- Friendship Circle
- Foundation for African Medicine and Education
- Family Service Agency of Marin
- San Francisco Society for the Protection of Animals
- Jewish Family and Children’s Services
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transsexual National Help Center
- Share Our Strength
- Marin Agricultural Land Trust
- International Myeloma Foundation
- Save Japan Dolphins
