Unit 8.1 Overview and List of Activities and Assignments

In the summer of 1985, a group of rock bands played their music in Wembley Stadium in London, England, and in JFK Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and at venues in other countries. Over 400 million people watched these performances on screens linked by satellite. The performers wanted to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia. This event was called Live Aid. It was one of the largest fundraisers in history.

Since then, rock bands have performed on other occasions to raise funds. Farm Aid raised money for American farmers. Live 8 raised money for the Make Poverty History campaign in England.

Many people around the world understand that it is the responsibility of the people who have to help the people of the world who have little.

By becoming involved, individuals can make a difference and can improve the quality of lives of many people. Musician Bruce Springsteen was asked to perform at the Live Aid concert, but he did not perform. After the event, he said that he regretted not participating. He decided not to go because he did not think the event would be that successful. He missed an opportunity to help others. If we all had that attitude, we would never help anyone.

Some people do not vote because they do not think their votes would count for anything. Based on that kind of thought, no one would vote and changes would never happen in government.

What can individuals do to improve the quality of life of others? How can we make a difference?

Many individuals have single-handedly made a difference in the lives of many people locally, nationally, and around the world. They have increased awareness and raised money for causes that they deemed important. In this unit, you will explore the extent to which your actions as a citizen should be shaped by an ideology:

To what extent should we embrace an ideology?

Unit Eight: List of Assignments, Self-Quizzes, Forums, and Exams

Assignments, Forums, and Unit Review Exam will open as you work through the unit sequentially.