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2020-2021 - Honors English 11 - Rhetoric & Persuasion : Selecting a Charity

Assignment

Shark Tank: RHETORIC @ ROBINSON

From your assignment document:

"Find a nonprofit organization that you would like to help promote to the Shark Tank panel so that their needs will be met. Your job will be to create a short video to advertise this organization and why they deserve the support of the Sharks! You will need to intentionally incorporate elements of rhetoric and persuasion into the video to show your knowledge of this field." 

For this activity, follow the steps outlined below (click all four tabs) in the table. 

  • Steps 1 & 2 - Individually research, read, and take notes (15 minutes) 
  • Steps 3 & 4 - With your group finalize your topic, select your charity, and complete the research proposal (25 minutes)

Selecting a Charity

Step One: Find an article relating to your Issue of Concern

  • Open InfoTrac Newsstand (linked below)

  • Individually Select Articles: Find articles relating to your group's top three choices. Narrow your search results to the last 12 months by using the “Publication Dates” feature at the right of your screen.

Research Database Passwords

Step Two: Read the Article and Take Notes

  • Individually read: Use this reading time to help you learn more about your potential topics and ultimately make an informed decision regarding the topic for this project. 

  • Take notes as you read: What questions come to mind? What information draws your attention? How do the events from the news relate to your concerns? 

Step Three: Finalize the Topic & Find a Charity

Finalize the Topic

  • Meet with your group & finalize the topic: In your breakout group, share what you've learned and, through collaboration, select your topic as a group. 

    • What is the issue your group would like to address? Finalize your topic as a group.

Find a Charity that addresses the Issue of Concern

  • Once your group agrees on a topic, select your charity by using the resources linked below.

  • When looking for a charity, make sure the organization addressed the issue your group selected as the topic. 

  • From your assignment: "With your group members, find a nonprofit organization that you are all interested in working with for this project. Remember, do your research so that you know what kind of group you are working for. In your research, you will want to be thorough, as there are tons of organizations out there that are falsely advertising their mission or goal. To make certain that the nonprofit you have chosen is credible, please use either of the sites linked below. It is crucial that you verify this information so that the Sharks do not call you out!" 

  • Note: Use these sites for research only. Do NOT share your information! 

Step Four: Research Proposal

From your assignment:

  • "Fill out a proposal form to submit to your teacher so that she can approve the organization."

What's next? 

  • Shared Google Folder: Determine who will create a Google Folder and share it with the group; please ensure all group members have full editing access within this folder. Once the folder is shared, please keep all research notes, storyboard ideas, and creations in the shared folder.  This strategy enables work to continue, even if someone is absent. 
  • "Once your nonprofit is approved, begin investigating the organization’s website, videos, social media channels, and other media to understand its mission, values, and needs. You will want to have a clear understanding of what they stand for and why this group is worth investing in. You are their spokespeople! You will want to spend a good amount of time on this step so that your final product is engaging and informative."