Healthy and Green Living

Though you need to be an adult in order to legally vote, discovering and cultivating personal power through an activist spirit can begin quite young. As children learn about the world and its needs, they can also be taught they have a right to be listened to and that actively expressing their voice makes a difference.

The following activities can be done within your family, school, religious organization or any other community of which your children are a part.

1. Begin a letter-writing campaign to governmental representatives in which your child states the issue and expresses his or her thoughts, feelings and the desired change.
2. At community events or cooperative locations in your town, set up information tables so that kids can play a role in bringing issues that matter to them to the attention of others.
3. Find local stores or libraries that would be willing to display thoughtfully created posters on their bulletin boards.
4. If you plan to attend any peaceful protests, find out if it’s okay for you to bring your child along. In general, sharing your own activism in appropriate ways with your children is an effective tool for passing on the value of getting involved.