TL;DR
Students will understand “The People’s Money”, New York City’s participatory budgeting process, and independently cast a vote. Using the Organization Directory, students will explore which organizations have backed previously implemented projects. Students will deepen their understanding of the PB process using the Civic Glossary.
Objective
- Critical Thinking: Students will use critical thinking to better understand the timeline, process, and mechanics of Participatory Budgeting in NYC. They will also use critical thinking to decide which projects should be prioritized.
- Community Engagement: Students will explore what their community needs and vote for projects that align with their values.
- Civic Literacy: Students will understand how a public budget is used in New York City.
Materials needed
- Device with access to the Internet
Instructions
Brainstorm & Shareout
(5-10 mins)
What does my community/neighborhood need?
- Have students reflect on their community or neighborhood. What needs to be improved? What could strengthen their community?
Answers may relate to...
- Arts & Entertainment: cultural festivals, movie screenings at the park
- Environment: community gardens, sustainability initiatives, wildlife protection
- Business: street vendor markets, workshops
- Health: workshops, drives, free services
- Students should share out their ideas or use a collaborative platform (i.e., FigJam or a poster paper with post-it notes)
- After sharing out, ask students: What resources would this program or project need? Who would fund it?
Lesson on Participatory Budgeting
(5-10 mins)
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Have students navigate to YCH’s Civic Glossary and find the definition of Participatory Budgeting. Ask students to volunteer to read aloud the content (TL;DR, In NYC, and Expanded Definition).
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Share the introductory presentation linked here with students, discussing takeaways and questions afterwards
Short Activity: Voting
(5-10 mins)
Have students vote using the link on the presentation. For students not voting online, have them find a local library or voting site/event they have access to in order to cast a vote.
Main Activity: Past Participatory Budgeting
(20-30 min)
- Have students use this link to explore previously implemented projects. Students will note and share:
- Project Name
- Project Status
- Community Organization involved:
- Summarize what the project will do, who it will benefit, and why it’s important
- Would you have voted for this project? Why or why not?
- Students will write a short answer for each question below and submit as an exit ticket.
Choosing 1 or 2 projects, have students look up the involved community organization on YCH’s Organization Directory.
- How does this project align with the organization ’s mission?
- Conduct external research. Has this organization shared updates about their project?
- What is one interesting or new fact you learned about participatory budgeting in New York City?
- Bonus: Do you think Participatory Budgeting in NYC is effective? Why or why not?
Optional Acitvity (Extra Credit Opportunity)
Have students encourage one or two other people in their lives (friend, family, community member, etc.) to vote in The People’s Money.
Relevant Standards
NY State Grades 9-12 Social Studies Framework
- Civic Participation: Fulfill social and political responsibilities associated with citizenship in a democratic society and interdependent global community by developing awareness of and/or engaging in the political process.
- Civic Participation: Work to influence those in positions of power to strive for extensions of freedom, social justice, and human rights.
- Civic Participation: Identify, describe, and contrast the roles of the individual in opportunities for social and political participation in different societies.
NYS Social Studies Standards - Commencement
- Explore how citizens influence public policy in a representative democracy.
- Participate in school/classroom/community activities that focus on an issue or problem.
