New lesson: Perhaps philanthropy should be part of every school curriculum

It's an intriguing thought: What if it were a school requirement that every student learn a little bit about giving back and being there for others?

What if we had a class in each school each year that specialized in teaching young people how to think of someone else and pushed them to do a class project for their community?

How would this world change?

And the wonderful thing about this kind of endeavor -- and making it a part of the county curriculum -- is that there are even a slew of local students who could come in as guest instructors.

Wouldn't that be a lesson that could stay with a child for life? And wouldn't we benefit ourselves in the long run?

In this increasingly digital age, connecting with people is becoming more and more difficult. We don't take the time anymore.

How many lives would be changed if we started that habit young -- and if we encouraged our children to really take an interest in their neighbors? It sure sounds idyllic -- and worth a try.

Published in Editorials on June 5, 2014 10:40 AM