As the nation's eleventh largest school district, Dallas Independent School District serves more than 160,000 students who come from homes where 58 different languages are spoken. Operating with a $1 billion dollar budget, DISD employs 18,613 employees including 10,000 teachers in 220 schools.
7 Nov 2000
DISD Launches Common Cents Campaign to Teach Good Citizenship and Help Local Nonprofit Groups
Dallas schoolchildren will learn how they can make a difference in their community at an hour-long workshop on the philanthropic spirit of giving. Conducted by Bob Hopkins, president and founder of the magazine Philanthropy In Texas, the workshop is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 13, at Billy Earl Dade Learning Center, 2801 Park Row.
Common Cents, a coin collection campaign, involves more than 180 schoolchildren from 21 DISD elementary, middle and high schools. The project is not only designed to raise money for charity and nonprofit organizations, but it encourages good citizenship and social responsibility in young people.
Like good health, philanthropy is a learned behavior, said Hopkins who has 20 years of experience in the nonprofit management profession. He says when children learn to share, it becomes more prevalent in their adult lives.
"Common Cents makes children aware of the good use money can have on helping others," he said. "It will allow them the good feeling associated with giving, which will set a precedence for future involvement in philanthropy."
The workshop on the philanthropic spirit of giving is one of several components that will be used to teach the young people to assess community needs; evaluate priorities; reach consensus; and write, review and read requests for proposals. Assisting Hopkins with the workshop are Lynn Vogt, author of Philanthropy and Volunteerism in Education curriculum, and Jim Harrell, a philanthropist.
This marks the third year students have participated in the Common Cents project. It was three year ago when Louise Gartner, a retired Dallas resident, introduced Common Cents to DISD. She believes the project empowers students regardless of their socioeconomic background.
"The kids get excited about Common Cents because they not only collect the money, but they decide where it goes," Gartner said. "It puts the children in charge, allowing them to help the less fortunate."
The 2000-01 Common Cents campaign kicked off Nov. 1. Decorated barrels are located in participating schools and businesses in the community. Last year the schoolchildren distributed $18,724.35 to 17 charity and nonprofit organizations. This year's goal is to raise $20,000.
While the coins are being collected through Dec. 15 at the participating schools and designated sites, the district will notify local social service agencies, nonprofit organizations and homeless facilities of the availability of funds and provide them with Requests for Proposals. Each organization has the option to submit a proposal of their needs and proposed use for the funds.
In the spring, a student roundtable will review the proposals submitted by the nonprofit agencies. An awards ceremony is planned for March to present the monies to the selected agencies.
Corporations and businesses providing support to this student-centered philanthropic effort include: Consolidated Restaurant Operations, Coca Cola Bottling Company of North Texas, Foley's and Philanthropy In Texas.
For more information, call Leo Chaney, DISD Communications Department, (972) 925-3926.