RESPONSIBILITY

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In this session, participants will explore the concept of responsibility, based on an essay describing the characteristics of President George Washington.

Category

  • Character

Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  • Explain the importance of responsibility as a personal characteristic.

Supplies

  • The Secret to Our Forgotten Man activity sheet—make a copy for each participant
  • The Habit of Responsibility activity sheet—make a copy for each participant
  • My Daily Progress Report activity sheet—make a copy for each participant
  • Pen or pencil for each participant

Advisor Note

Text in italics should be read aloud to participants. As you engage your post in activities each week, please include comments, discussions, and feedback to the group relating to Character, Leadership, and Ethics. These are important attributes that make a difference in the success of youth in the workplace and in life.

Activity 1

OUR FORGOTTEN MAN

Pass out copies of The Secret to Our Forgotten Man activity sheet to participants and have them read the essay. After they are finished, use the reflection questions below to make the point that responsibility is an essential part of success in life and in acquiring good habits.

Activity 2

DEVELOPING RESPONSIBILITY

Pass out copies of The Habit of Responsibility and My Daily Progress Report activity sheets. Give Explorers five to 10 minutes to think about the questions on The Habit of Responsibility activity sheet and determine how they can develop the habit of responsibility. This activity sheet is a personal activity and need not be shared with the larger group.

 

Have Explorers use the My Daily Progress Report activity sheet to record their progress working toward better developing an ethic of responsibility over the next two weeks.

Advisor Note

Some sample questions are below. They are designed to help the participants apply what they have learned to their own interests. You are welcome to use these questions or develop your own questions that relate to your post or specific focus area.

Reflection

Focusing Questions

  • Besides what you read in the story, what else do you know about George Washington?
  • Why do some consider Washington “history’s forgotten man”?

Analysis Questions

  • Why do you think young George Washington thought responsibility was such an important habit to have if he were to become a military leader?
  • How is responsibility an important characteristic for leaders?
  • How might you use this in your potential career?

Generalization Questions

  • What are some ways leaders show responsibility to those they lead?
  • What are some ways that followers show responsibility to their leaders?
  • What are some ways that Explorers can practice responsibility?
  • How might you use this in life or in college?
  • Why is this important?