Socially Conscious Kids
But this year, a friend formed a Youth Social Action Club (YOSAC) with a couple of other parents. The purpose was to expose kids, in fourth, fifth, and sixth grades, to different social issues, really help them get educated and, hopefully, inspired to act.
My ten-year-old joined the group. And from the very first meeting, it was obvious to me that something special was going on.
The first issue that the group tackled was climate change. Thanks in large part to a creative program developed by some very committed, knowledgeable parents, these kids left knowing a lot more about the subject and determined to act. They sold fluorescent bulbs and turned the money over to an environmental group. They handed out papers telling people how to save energy.
My daughter had gone to a very alternative camp last summer, so she had already been trying to convince me that we should go "fossil fuel free" one day a week. We'd also changed all our lightbulbs to fluorescents after seeing An Inconvenient Truth.
But as a result of this group, I saw a change in my daughter. She became more sophisticated in how she talked about the issue. All the kids I spoke to in the group seemed more knowledgeable and passionate. A few of them even spoke at a public meeting of state officials.
It's just been incredible to see this activism and social consciousness awakened in them. They're not simply parroting what they've been told, either.
All of this has given me some hope, too. We read so much about how kids are materialistic, self-absorbed, etc.
But I really do think they all have this capacity to do so much good. If we give them a chance.
For those who are interested, here is a link to the site created by some kids in the group,w ith the help of parents, natch.
Stumble It!
posted by pam at 7:26 PM
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