Athlete Activism:

How effective is it?

Photos via thinkprogress.org

PPA WebQuest

Created by Francis Tolan (Ftolan@schools.nyc.gov)

Leaders of Tomorrow Middle School, Bronx, NY

Course: History and Statistics in Sports

INTRODUCTION

Sports often provide a lens through which we can understand some of the most significant social issues facing our country. In both the distant and recent past, some of the most famous athletes in the world have spoken out or taken action to address some of those widespread problems.

TASK

In your WebQuest, you will use the Public Policy Analyst (PPA) process to identify one example of athlete activism. You will also identify how athletes have attempted to address the social issue and analyze whether their efforts have been successful.

PROCESS/RESOURCES

Read each of the following articles independently in class. Watch the accompanying videos at home.

Required Readings:

· Muhammad Ali’s Role as an athlete activist

· History of Tommie Smith, John Carlos and the black-power salute

· LeBron James’s home damaged with racist graffiti

· When Athletes Take Political Stands

· Nigel Hayes argues for the payment of college athletes

· Athletes speak out after Trayvon Martin killing

· Jim Brown and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar help launch social activism institute

Supplemental Videos:

· LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, and Dwyane Wade speak out at 2016 ESPYs

· The Impact of Colin Kaepernick’s National Anthem Kneel

· LeBron James: Race and the NBA

· Ali on Vietnam War and Racism

· NBA.com on Athlete Activism

Choose the article or social issue that interests you most. Identify the social issue in a sentence.

____________________________________________________

Remember, these are the six steps you will use throughout this process:

The 6 Steps of the Public Policy Analyst (PPA)

1. Define the Problem

2. Gather the Evidence

3. Identify the Causes

4. Evaluate an Existing Policy

5. Develop Solutions

6. Select the Best Solution (Feasibility vs. Effectiveness)

Get into a small group with students who chose the same social issue as you did. In your groups, use the required readings and any outside research you find to answer the following questions:

1) DEFINE THE PROBLEM: What is the social issue being addressed? What athletes are addressing it? Complete this worksheet to ensure that you define the problem fully.

2) GATHER THE EVIDENCE: What steps have the athletes taken to address the issue?

3) GATHER THE EVIDENCE: Have athletes been successful in raising awareness or causing change with regard to this issue? Why or why not? Cite evidence from the article(s) to support your claim.

4) IDENTIFY THE CAUSES: Why is this social issue such a problem? Why is there a need for change?

5) EVALUATE AN EXISTING POLICY: Do athletes have a good argument with regard to this specific social issue? Are they taking meaningful steps to help cause progress?

6) EXAMINE/DEVELOP SOLUTIONS: What next steps should athletes take to address the issue? Explain why those steps would be feasible and effective.

____________________________________________________

Once you have answered those questions, you are ready for your final task:

Write a persuasive essay of at least five paragraphs about a social issue that is important to athletes.

In your essay be sure to:

· Identify the social issue and its causes.

· Explain what steps athletes have taken to address the issue. Be as specific as possible.

· Make a claim about what else athletes can do to help bring about positive change.

· Use textual evidence to support your points.

EVALUATION

New York State Educator Guide: Grade 6-8 Writing Evaluation Rubric (Page 12 for Questions and Page 14 for Persuasive Essay)

CONCLUSION

In completing this WebQuest, you have used one of your recreational interests (sports) to learn about something much more meaningful (social issues). Remember that all aspects of our lives are linked, and whatever we do impacts other people. Going forward, continue to learn about significant social issues and consider what the best solutions to those problems might be. In whatever career you choose, you will have opportunities to help bring about change in your world.

STANDARDS

CCLS R.6-8.1-9

CCLS W.6-8.2

CCLS L.6-8.1-3,6