More activities can be found in the Youth Programs Advocacy Toolkit. Use the Poverty Housing Advocacy Book The Advocacy Book: Poverty Housing is a lesson plan and interactive coloring book for children ages 5 to 8. The book raises students’ awareness of poverty and poverty housing on a youth-focused level at which they can relate. Simulate the experience Using the Welcome Home Housing Simulation, groups of teens role-play as homeless individuals who must seek adequate and affordable housing in relation to their different situations. Participants learn about different aspects of housing assistance, such as applying for a lease and Section 8. Plan a sleep-out Whether you call it a “Sleep-out,” “Shantytown” or “Shack-a-thon,” this type of event is one of the most popular campus chapter or group activities. As an advocacy activity, the purpose of a sleep-out is to raise awareness about poverty housing and homelessness in the minds of both the participants and observers. Click here for tips on hosting a sleep-out. Get attention with a shocking shack Create a life-size inadequate shelter. Attach a sign to declare its importance. For example: -“Everybody deserves a decent place to sleep.” -“Where are YOU going to sleep tonight?” Post members around the shack to talk with observers and to share details with them about the worldwide issue of poverty housing. Host a Photo Exhibit Habitat for Humanity International is excited to offer campus chapters the opportunity to host Operation Home Delivery: Habitat for Humanity Responds to the Gulf Coast Hurricanes, and Doors; collections of images that document the need for affordable housing and the mission of Habitat for Humanity. E-mail fzahn@habitat.org or call 1-800-HABITAT, Ext. 7546 for more information. Hold a candlelight vigil A candlelight vigil is a great way for groups to reflect on poverty and the impact it has on our lives, the community and the world. Make it real Create a visual representation of a current poverty statistic. The visual representation will illustrate the magnitude of poverty in your community, state, country or world. The visual representation should be displayed in a high-traffic area and accompanied by an explanation. Teach the Habitat for Humanity curriculum The Habitat for Humanity curriculum is a set of lessons--including handouts, worksheets, assessments, answer keys and rubrics – designed to teach public and private school students about housing issues around the world. The HFH Primary curriculum is for use in grades three through five. The HFH Secondary curriculum is for use in grades nine through 12. Have a community scavenger hunt Find the local food banks, shelters and social service offices. Which grocery stores accept food stamps? Where is subsidized housing in your community? Visit schools Go to elementary and middle schools and share with the students about housing and/or poverty issues. Be sure to contact principals and teachers beforehand. Check out Teacher and Youth Leader Resources for ideas. Organize voter registration with Habitat homeowner families Do a concentrated set of voter registration drives. Students, especially at colleges, can team up with groups on campus that already do voter registration, such as student government. For the Guide to Nonpartisan Voter Registration and GOTV [Get Out the Vote] Drives, visit http://www.naeyc.org/policy/toolbox/pdf/gotv.pdf. Watch a movie Show a film about some aspect of poverty and hold a discussion and/or reflection afterward. Be sure to respect copyright policies. There’s no need to gain rights to show it as long as your group is not requiring money from the audience. It is acceptable to have a table, jar, or other place for donations, but donations can only be suggested. Movies to consider include: “It Was a Wonderful Life,” “Hotel Rwanda” and “Pursuit of Happyness.” Reflect Reflection allows people to internalize what they have learned and experienced and to use their new knowledge for further action. Provided are some suggestions for a variety of activities from The Institute of Cultural Affairs. Click here for the Reflection Guide. Visit www.ics-usa.org and www.ica-international.org for more information.
