healthy living
Involving kids in active citizenship Teach them how to be a part of their community LEA HANSON
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W
ith the Presidential elections right around the corner, adults are not the only ones who will be soon surrounded by campaign propaganda. There may not be a better time to have conversations with our kids about citizenship: what it is, why it is important, and how they can impact their communities by knowing about it. Just as children must be taught to tie their shoes, read and write, solve math problems, and understand science concepts and events in history, so must they be guided in developing the qualities of character that are valued by their families and by the communities in which they live. Citizenship means being a member of and supporting one’s community and country. Voting, conserving natural resources, and taking care of oneself, our community, and our world are all part of citizenship. Although young people cannot yet vote, local and national governments make policy decisions every day, on health, education, and welfare issues that have large impacts on the lives of children and young people. 16
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Research reveals that participating in community service programs and learning about the importance and value of serving others can have a powerful influence on positive character development. As parents, we all want our children to grow up to be responsible citizens and good people. We want them to learn to feel, think and act with respect for themselves and for other people. We want them to pursue their own well-being, while also being considerate of the needs and feelings of others. We want them to recognize and honor the democratic principles upon which our country was founded. We want them, in short, to develop strong character. Knowing about who is running for President of the United States is one thing, but knowing about issues in our own local communities can be just as (if not more) important and are more accessible to kids. In order to introduce your child to local government and the types of issues they work on, one of the best ways to educate your child may be to bring him or her with you to a local or state elected official’s listening session or council
Activities that foster citizenship in children: • Take your child with you when you vote. • Ask your child to describe what would happen if there were no rules or laws at home, in school, in traffic or against stealing, attacking, etc. • Participate in community-building activities, such as cleaning up parks and assisting with school activities. • Have kids read, analyze and debate newspaper articles on various topics concerning civic life. • Visit historical museums, monuments, and/or national parks. • Discuss taxes and why our local, state and national governments need income for police, firemen, prisons, roads, etc. • Encourage kids to participate in community service projects such as recycling, picking up litter, and volunteering for other worthwhile projects. • Encourage your child to write a letter to local, state, or national official on a topic that is important to your family.
meeting/hearing. Fort Collins City Council meetings are the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 6pm. You can watch in person at City Hall or stream the meeting online or on local cable channel 14 Greeley City Council meetings are the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month 6:30pm at 1025 9th Avenue, Greeley. Loveland City Council meetings are the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 6pm at the City Council Chambers, 500 East Third Street, Loveland. You can also watch the meetings via live video feed at: www.ci.loveland.co.us