East Greenwich High School Library: Shaw - Protest Projects

Speak Out Against Injustice Assignment

Background: Civic virtue has been a part of our Founders’ vision since the creation of our nation. Civic virtue includes speaking out when there is an injustice and protest allows for that civic commitment to become action. This project is intended to allow you to give voice to an injustice you believe needs to be addressed.

Expectations: Each of you will be participating in research, planning, and implementing a protest project. You will research an issue that you believe needs to be addressed and deliberate on how you can best contribute to progress on that front. You will create a product to share this research with the class. After that step, you will write an advocacy letter to an elected official, business, or related institution expressing your views and advocating for policy changes.

1. Project: Engaging the Class 

Goal: The goal of this assessment is to raise student awareness about your issue and to showcase your understanding and creativity.

Product:  You must create an engaging piece of media to express your protest:

• Slideshow on the topic
• Video
• Infographic
• Brochure
• Poster(s) 
• Piece of art
• Piece of music
• Political cartoon

Requirements:  This product must be based on quality, documented research and must be accompanied by the following research:

• Identification and explanation of the problem
• Identification and explanation of efforts to address the problem
• A quote on the topic by a leader in the field or by someone affected by the issue
• Reflection on why you care about the issue and why others should as well
• Illustrations and color included in the product

This information will be submitted in Google Classroom as an assignment, but can be shared with the class orally, with a slide, on the back of your poster, etc.

Goal:  The goal of this assessment is to strengthen your writing skills and take civic action.

Product: You must write and send (email/mail) a two paragraph advocacy letter to your elected official (see link below for list).

Requirements:  The letter must include the following:

• Introduction of who you are and of the problem you are protesting, and why you care about it.

• Actions you would like the leader/organization to take to help fix the problem and generate change.