English 110: Unit 7- Social Justice Action Projects

The question now is: What will you do to move from awareness to action?

Think about what you learned from reading this work of nonfiction (Just Mercy, A Place
at the Table, or Bottlemania) and about the call to action. You will have the opportunity
to create and implement an individual or group social justice action project to positively
impact the lives of those around you. Your project must have an educative aspect
(teaching others by raising awareness) and an actionable item (something done).

This project is not about fundraising or using your own money. It is about taking action
to make a difference.

The project will take place over a 3 week timeline during May, at your own pace.
However, you must complete each stage of the process: 1) brainstorming, 2) research,
and 3) implementation & reporting.

Brainstorming Stages- 25 points

First, you must think of a project that will address and work to fix your social justice
issue. Before you start, you should identify: a goal for your action project, a community
you want to assist, and key individuals who will help in your project. (Hint: check out
the websites of the organizations named in your book, or visit DoSomething.org to get
some ideas!)

TO DO: Complete the Action Project Proposal Worksheet (10 points)

TO DO: Once approved, you will deliver a 60-second pitch during class, in which you
describe your project and solicit help, if needed. (15 points)

Research- 25 points
There are many things to consider before starting this project: What do you need to
know before getting to work? Which organizations already exist that do what you want
to do, or can assist you in this endeavor? Can you interview or partner with anyone at St.
Ignatius who might offer valuable insights? What does the research on this topic say?

TO DO: Create an EasyBib annotated bibliography using your school subscription,

citing a minimum of 4 sources (your nonfiction book, plus 3 other primary or secondary
sources) with specific research on your social justice issue
Hint: Brainstorm with your small group members to find sources that might help each
other. Many brains make work light!
 Implementation and Reporting- 100 points
You will build a Google Site to host all of your information for this project. You will
then present your website page and results to the class in a 2 minute speech at the end
of the unit: W Day--Wednesday, May 24, 2017.

TO DO: Add the following tabs to your Google Site page (all are required):

Homepage (the landing page)- Introduction to the Social Justice Issue and project
(This is a great place to use your pitch and embed images!)
About Me- a brief write up about yourself/your small group, previous experience with
the topic, or how your interest in this topic came about
Annotated Bibliography- citation of your primary source (the nonfiction book you
read) and 3 additional primary and secondary sources that shaped your understanding
of the topic and influenced your methodology. (You may add an EasyBib Word Doc file
as an attachment.)
Educative Aspect- the methods/product you used to raise awareness and educate
others on your social justice issue.
Action Item- details of the actual project completed, including an explanation of the
steps you took, with documentation (pictures, surveys, other applicable data). This page
should detail the project itself and show evidence of completion.
Results- Type up a 3 paragraph reflection on the drafting, research, and
implementation. How did it go? Is your project concluded, or may others still
participate? If so, provide links/steps for what others can do!

Total Project Grade: 150 points

(Be advised: small group members will receive the same grade)
 Potential Project Combinations
Educative Aspect
Create an infographic flyer for distribution
(with school approval from Mrs. Valencia)
Create an illustrated iBook or timeline on
timetoast.com that addresses the history of
your social justice issue
Write an opinion article for the school or
city newspaper
Make a How To video, stop-motion film, or
iMovie trailer about an upcoming legislative
vote concerning your social justice issue
Hold a movie/documentary screening
(contact a co-curricular moderator)
Invite a guest speaker (ie from the
Northwestern Innocence Project) and host
an open meeting for all students during an
Activity Period
Create a ThingLink interactive with links to
sources, images, and policymaker sites
Record a podcast series or create a social
media account with daily tips or interviews
Organizational Apps/Sites for Individual and Group Projects
Action Item
Conduct a letter writing campaign
Assemble a team of students for a Phone-A-Thon and
call your senator or representative to ask for
legislative change
Contact Formation and Ministry and inquire about
local service opportunities, and organize a group of
volunteers to complete a project of your initiation
Create a petition on change.org and set a goal for
number of signatures, then follow up with
appropriate stakeholders or legislators
Visit DoSomething.org and sign up for a local project,
or create your own!
Assemble a team of chalk artists to draw attention to
issues of sustainability on school sidewalks
Partner with SICP Co-Curricular moderators to host
an end-of-year event or activity
Set up a personal photography or art expo connected
to your social justice issue
Research and write a proposal to reduce the sale of
bottled beverages or display nutrition information for
food sold in the cafeteria
Host a Click Campaign to donate free food and
water to those in need
Trello
Asana
Evernote
Padlet
Thinglink
Pinterest
 Suggested Co-Curricular Moderators to Contact

Recycling Club - Ms. Trinley (kate.trinley@ignatius.org)

Respect for Life - Mr. Lord (steven.lord@ignatius.org)
Students Committed to Social Action - Mrs. Buczek (nancy.buzcek@ignatius.org)
Black Organization for Successful Students - seniors Jeremy Atuobi and Amber
Cooper; moderator Ms. Cheri Smith (cheri.smith@ignatius.org)
Ignatians Seeking to Experience and Embrace Diversity - Ms. Hooper
(kitty.hooper@ignatius.org)
Project Unity - Ms. Hooper (kitty.hooper@ignatius.org)
The Spirit Newspaper- Dr. Delaney (jane.delaney@ignatius.org) and Mrs. Kennedy
(holly.kennedy@ignatius.org)- submissions due May 9, 2017

Presentation Due Dates:

Wednesday, May 24 (W Day)- A and D Period

Thursday, May 25 (O Day)- A Period (if needed)
Friday, May 26 (L Day)- D Period (if needed)