Huntington Beach City School District

August’s Mindfulness Monthly Memo focuses on altruism. Altruism is the selfless act of helping others without expecting anything in return. 

Can helping others make us healthier?  

When scientists scanned the brains of people who donated money to charity, they found the brain’s reward system responded more strongly to acts of generosity than to self-indulgence. These findings suggest that giving to others may not only feel good, but also support our mental health and sense of connection. Drawing on neuroscience, psychology, and real-world examples, caring for others can improve our well-being, build resilience, and foster lasting community–during moments of collective crisis, and beyond. 

Five Ways To Educate About Altruism

1. Model Altruistic Behavior.  The most effective way to teach altruism is by modeling it. Children learn by observing the behavior of the adults around them, and if they see adults practicing altruism, they are more likely to do the same. Parents, teachers, and other caregivers can model altruistic behavior by volunteering, donating to charity, or simply being kind and compassionate to others.
2. Teach Empathy.  Empathy is a crucial component of altruism because it allows individuals to recognize the needs of others and respond appropriately. Educators can teach empathy by encouraging students to put themselves in other people’s shoes, to consider how their actions affect others, and to practice active listening.
3. Encourage Collaboration.  Working together towards a common goal can create a sense of community and encourage individuals to act in ways that benefit the group. Educators can encourage collaboration by providing opportunities for group work, assigning team projects, and emphasizing the importance of teamwork.
4. Teach Critical Thinking.  Critical thinking is an essential skill for altruism because it allows individuals to evaluate the consequences of their actions and make decisions that benefit others. Educators can teach critical thinking by encouraging students to consider multiple perspectives, to evaluate the evidence, and to think creatively.
5. Highlight the Benefits of Altruism.  Altruistic behavior has many benefits both for individuals and for society as a whole. Educators can highlight these benefits by discussing the positive impact that altruistic behavior can have on others, the community, and the environment.

Appendix
Martinez, D. (2023, May 15). Educating for altruism. Medium 
Suttie, J. (2020, April 14). Can altruism help us through hard times? Greater Good Magazine