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In the book’s foreword, Giraffe Patch Adams calls It’s Up to Us, “the golden ticket to meaning—giving you the ABCs of making your life count.” It’s Up to Us, written by Giraffe Heroes Project President John Graham, inspires teens to lead meaningful lives. It assumes that kids have concerns about the world they’re living in and that, given the chance, they want to have a positive impact on that world. It shows kids how to pick a problem that concerns them and to carry out their own service projects to address that problem. It helps them build the personal courage they need to stick their necks out for the common good, even when that means they might be embarrassed or criticized—or might fail. Some of the chapters deal with profound topics—meaning, courage, compassion and responsibility—in words and graphics that appeal to teens. Other chapters build specific skills, such as handling stress and conflict, planning, making decisions and giving presentations. It’s Up to Us is for the full spectrum of kids in high school, no matter how they've been categorized or stereotyped. |
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“I ran the program with “high risk” teenagers.…The program was simple, clear and easy to understand by everyone. The video was excellent and everybody was interested in starting a project of their own.…” —Jim Goeke, substance abuse prevention counselor, Gulf High School, Port Richey FL “The Giraffe Heroes Program is laid out well, especially for a new teacher. The first year I did it, my students did a voter registration drive. That was about six years ago. Last spring at a big budget meeting of our school board, some of the same kids remembered the drive and took it on again as seniors in high school. I had parents stopping me in town saying how amazed they were that the kids remembered that.” —Stephanie Broder, teacher, Thayer High School, Winchester NH |
“It’s Up to Us seems truly in keeping with one of our five promises to young people—the chance to give back through community service. This important opportunity allows kids to build character, and reinforces the importance of helping others.” — General Colin Powell, Former Chairman, America’s Promise |
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It's Up to Us can be used in classes and youth clubs, or by students working independently. The book gives readers stories and photos of Giraffe Heroes, concepts for becoming an active citizen, action planning tools, reflection questions and inspiring quotes. The accompanying Resource Guide gives the facilitator step-by-step ideas for implementing the Program. |
“Students were ignited to hear about local people who were actively risking their safety to stand up for the common good, to take a risk for what they believed in, and to model activism and community service against racism. The community service aspect of our class is thoroughly met by The Giraffe Heroes Program.” —Betsy Bowen, teacher, Franklin High School Life Skills class, Seattle WA
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