Citizen participation of future activists

The current government has led to significant changes in people. Many of us are learning how to participate in civic engagement. The question is, how should we participate when we have kids? Better yet, how do we include them?

Should I take my kids to protest?

It’s true that this decision is up to you, but there are a few things to keep in mind when considering it. There is no guarantee that the protests will be child-friendly. We’ve seen parents posts saying their kids are bored by the protests and wonder why there is no flex house or something set up for them. Children are usually not the main audience of protests. Although many people are able to successfully protest with their children, this is not always the case.

Personally, I don’t think my mom could take me to protest as a kid. This doesn’t even consider how to make the protest unsafe. We have seen police and National Guard set curfews and shoot rubber bullets into the crowd of protesters and journalists.

Meanwhile, the judge was arrested for helping people in danger. Ice is in custody, in some cases expelling U.S. citizens. These are the reasons why we protest, and there are many more reasons.

However, a decision to protest must be made based on the case. Only parents can decide which children are best for them. At the same time, there are options for protests.

What can we do to participate?

If you want your children to participate in protest preparation without having to participate in protest preparations by themselves, you can make them helpful. Even better, you can provide a house that lets people put their children down to protest, as parenting is a barrier to many protests. You can collect supplies so that people can use water, snacks and other essentials to be safe during the protests. Most importantly, you can educate your children about protests, why people are protesting and why this kind of civic participation is important. You can tell them that when they grow up, you may protest together.

If your child is prone to boredom, dislikes being outside or easily irritating, protests may not be the ideal way to get involved. It is important to know that there are other ways to participate. You can conduct virtual protests for people who can’t get out of the street. Talk about things that are important to all of you. Talk about ways you can take action.

Local level of participation in civilians

You can also participate outside of the protests. Volunteering with a local food bank or a local food pantry was a great experience for me. You can also collect items to create “Blessing Bags” that are bags containing essentials for homeless people. You can donate to organizations that assign them or save them in your car in case anyone needs them.

If your area has a community garden, you can volunteer there. Some community gardens provide fresh produce to those who usually cannot use it. The soup kitchen can also be a way to provide food to locals. Volunteers at your local boys and girls club. Sometimes they need help with food during the holidays.

In addition to boys and girls clubs, organizations such as libraries and local charities can also have the opportunity to volunteer. Sometimes it’s easier to find opportunities during the holidays. If you have the ability, you can sponsor an angel tree and give gifts to children in need. If you don’t have the means, you can voluntarily organize donations from the Angel Tree Program. Consider providing a free library for your neighborhood where you and your children can purchase books or ask for donations to store.

Appearing in our neighbors

You can also do simple things with one person. You can prepare meals for your neighbors or plans like Lasagna Love. Send neighbor cards so they know someone is thinking about them. Sometimes, we ignore the importance of caring for our neighbors. Building relationships with those around us can serve as the basis for collective action. Show each other and show that we are not very important when they feel they are trying to make us feel lonely.

Greater impact

Large organizations and reasons also have opportunities. Mikaila Ulmer with Bee Lemonade is a great example. In her book Bees fearlessshe talked about creating a lemonade business as a way to raise money to save bees. You can host a lemonade stall or baking sale and donate your profits to a cause or charity close to your heart. Tell people why they are hosting it also spread for your cause.

Charity walking and charity activities are also forms of civic participation. Does your child like sports activities? Are they easy to drill or tire? A charity walk to the circle is a good starting point for young children. I highly recommend starting with 5K. Although I love the memories of volunteering with my mom, I don’t like people involved in 5ks. Indeed, the best thing you can do is ask your kids: “We can do this, or we can do it. Which one do you prefer?”

Education of the Future Activists

Regardless, it is important to teach your children about various methods of civic participation in existence. And, don’t forget to listen to your kids, their passion for them and how they want to be involved. Children’s activists have a long history and your child may be the next one.

Your children are the ones who inherited the planet. Make sure they know they have a say.