Two days more to the campaigns for city council members. Today, a Sunday, is a good day for families where moms and dads can let their kids join them in the whole process of participatory citizenship. It's not just for school.
How about letting the kids wave signs with you somewhere you choose? Guaranteed giggles and lots of questions about elections, voting and such.
Every Sunday we see volunteers handing out fliers at the Farmers' Market. I watched Lisa Shaffer speak to children who asked her questions. "What is city council?" This was a little red-headed girl in pink glued to Lisa's eyes.
"It's the people who run the city and I want to be one of these people. Like the president only for our town."
"Ohhh!" Her eyes were bright and she never stopped petting her little toy.
Lisa has 4 daughters. Makes me think of one of the best videos supportive of little girls I ever saw.
.
Imagine a community - a country - filled with this kind of father the norm? Imagine these men letting these little girls know very early that they are cherished and respected. It is not uncommon to hear guys say they would die for their children.
Maybe something far less drastic would be miraculous. I would ask if you are willing to do something girly with your daughter? Are you willing to do something that might make you feel foolish - like standing on a corner holding a sign and waving at cars? How about walking around your neighborhood with your kids and talking to people about the election and how it matters to you that your children learn what is going on in their neighborhood?
Can you just hear the excitement of these children when school begins tomorrow? The playground will be buzzing. Yes, it's okay for children to be guided in how to have political competition without being mean or hateful or threatening. This really brings home the fact that you don't condone bullying. You will have shown them this.
The way I see it, an election is a snapshot. The really important work ahead is building a community of involved citizens. Now that is where the work begins. First step is to elect willing and cooperative city council members and be there for and with the children.
And on the theme of little girl activities for some comic relief - for adults only - Eddie Izzard.
And on the theme of little girl activities for some comic relief - for adults only - Eddie Izzard.
Update: As it turns out, North Coast Current had an excellent post on children and politics yesterday. Check it out.
