Suggested Essay Questions

'Faith In Action' Section

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Question 1

What impact did Black churches have on the NAACP’s organizational and inspirational efforts during the Civil Rights Movement?

Guidelines for Students:

  • Introduction: Introduce the NAACP and its role in the Civil Rights Movement. Highlight the significance of Black churches as centers of community, leadership, and activism.
  • Body Paragraphs:
    • Organizational Support:
      • Describe the support Black churches provided to the NAACP.
      • Discuss the influence of church leaders within the NAACP.
    • Inspirational Leadership:
      • Explain how Black churches motivated action through sermons, music, and faith-based teachings.
      • Illustrate how these efforts mobilized communities in support of the NAACP.
  • Conclusion: Summarize the contributions of Black churches to the NAACP and the broader Civil Rights Movement. Reflect on the role of faith-based organizations in driving social change.

Question 2

How did financial realities in the 1990s necessitate the coming together of two distinct faith-based health systems in Savannah, and how did they successfully combine their operations while preserving their unique religious identities?

Guidelines for Students:

  • Introduction: Outline the financial challenges faced by healthcare systems in the 1990s. Introduce the two Savannah health systems with distinct religious affiliations that combined operations.
  • Body Paragraphs:
    • The Joint Operating Agreement:
      • Explain how the two systems combined their operations.
      • Describe the leadership's vision for local management.
    • Maintaining Religious Identities:
      • Discuss how each system honored distinct religious values after joining together.
      • Explore inclusive measures taken to build trust and ensure a smooth transition.
  • Conclusion: Summarize the key factors that contributed to the success of the Joint Operating Agreement. Reflect on balancing financial needs with core values and how this example serves as a model for others.

Question 3

How have interfaith collaborations in Savannah addressed housing challenges, and what strategies have they used to work on providing equitable access to safe and affordable housing?

Guidelines for Students:

  • Introduction: Provide an overview of housing challenges in Savannah. Introduce the role of interfaith collaborations in tackling these issues.
  • Body Paragraphs:
    • Understanding Housing Challenges:
      • Detail specific housing issues such as affordability and homelessness.
      • Explain the necessity for a collaborative approach.
    • Interfaith Initiatives:
      • Highlight key programs by interfaith groups addressing housing needs.
      • Discuss the advocacy and support provided by faith-based organizations.
    • Impact and Lessons Learned:
      • Analyze the successes and obstacles faced by these initiatives.
  • Conclusion: Summarize the effectiveness of interfaith collaborations in improving housing access. Reflect on the broader implications for community-driven solutions to social challenges.

Question 4

How have interfaith initiatives in Savannah addressed the issue of hunger, and what strategies have been most effective in combating food insecurity within the community?

Guidelines for Students:

  • Introduction: Provide an overview of hunger as a pressing issue in Savannah. Highlight the role of interfaith collaborations in addressing food insecurity.
  • Body Paragraphs:
    • The Scope of the Hunger Problem:
      • Discuss the scale and causes of hunger in Savannah.
      • Explain why interfaith groups became involved in this issue.
    • Interfaith Actions and Programs:
      • Highlight specific initiatives led by interfaith organizations to combat hunger.
  • Conclusion: Summarize the effectiveness of interfaith responses to hunger in Savannah. Reflect on how faith-based organizations can continue to address food insecurity, and whether their effectiveness is stronger when combining their efforts with other partners in the faith-based community.