Ralph Nader: That's what life was all about: the struggle for decency and fairness and opportunity and justice. We were taught that a long time ago that that's what's important in life. It doesn't mean you don't go out and play ball or ride a bicycle or have fun. It means that the reason why you can sit there in a living room in a nice town is because there were people before you who paid some attention to reducing or eliminating injustice in society and we have the same obligation to do that for our and future generations. We were taught that indirectly by our parents and our friends as small children.
Challenge:Using the American Academy of Achievement Hall
of Public Service and other sources, research the life of attorney Ralph
Nader. Long before he ran for President, Nader pursued a law career dedicated
to protecting consumer rights by legal action.
Outcome: Conduct a survey of teachers, adult friends and family members, and friends your own age. Ask them to identify five novels or other works that young people should read to help them prepare for a career in writing. Ask them to explain why they recommend each of the works they mention. When you have collected input from at least ten people, analyze the information and create a report based on the survey results. Make a list of "must reads" to share with your class.
Project #2: The Right to Choose
Curriculum Focus: Health/Art
Challenge:Consider Dr. Healy's comments about personal choice in health and safety issues. Select a risky teen health behavior such as smoking, overeating, not wearing a seat belt, etc. to research further.
Outcome: Develop an ad campaign with poster, TV ad storyboard, and slogan that reflects your advocacy position on a teen health/safety issue.
Project #3: Exploring a Career in Law
Career Education/Art
Challenge: There are many different types of lawyers. Each one acts as an advocate for different types of clients and issues. A lawyer can specialize in criminal law, corporate law, environmental law and more. Research the different careers in law and select three that you personally find interesting.
Outcome: Create a promotional brochure to describe and advertise the law profession that you believe best fits your interests, talents, and advocacy positions.
