In the early 1900s, the Suffragettes rallied for women’s voting rights, paving the way for countless movements that have followed. From the Great Depression’s struggles in the ’30s to the Civil Rights Protests of the ’50s and ’60s, through the Vietnam protests in the ’70s and the Iran-Contra affair in the ’80s, each decade has seen its share of people standing up for what they believe in. As we move through the 21st century, history echoes these past battles with movements such as Black Lives Matter and protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline, which infringes upon sacred land rights.
In an age where social media amplifies voices and injustices are broadcasted in real-time, it’s crucial to prepare our children to engage in advocacy—not just for their rights, but for the rights of others as well. As parents, we must guide them in understanding their First Amendment rights while encouraging them to question the status quo, fostering a sense of responsibility toward those who may not have a voice.
“Nothing strengthens authority so much as silence.” –Leonardo da Vinci
I recently came across a post by a friend that suggested children should remain in school instead of participating in protests. This statement struck a chord with me, as it implied that parents who allow their children to protest are somehow failing them. The idea of shaming young advocates is troubling, and it prompted me to reflect on how my husband and I have taught our daughter to stand up for herself and others. For us, the act of protest is one of the most valuable lessons we can impart.
Having grown up with a “don’t speak unless spoken to” mentality, I didn’t learn to advocate for anything until adulthood. It was only after I moved out that I realized there were many injustices in the world that needed addressing. I want my daughter to have a different experience.
From a young age, she has been encouraged to stand up against mistreatment, whether it be racism or classism. Her first experience with protest was on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, where we discussed the true essence of Dr. King’s work and participated in a local march, steering clear of the grand parades that often overshadow the real issues.
Protesting isn’t limited to large gatherings; it’s a daily practice of standing firm in one’s beliefs. We’ve taught our daughter to be a voice for those in need, whether that’s supporting a fellow student facing discrimination or questioning the integrity of a lesson that misrepresents history. It’s about empowering her to act with intention and compassion.
Examples of Fostering Advocacy Skills
Here are some examples of how we’ve fostered her advocacy skills:
- If she witnesses a teacher mistreating a student, she knows to stand in solidarity with that student and speak out.
- When community events clash with school, she can articulate her desire to participate and seek our support.
- If she feels uncomfortable in a public setting, she’s been taught to make eye contact and seek help.
- In situations where authority figures misuse power, she knows to document incidents respectfully and reach out for support.
- If she encounters sexism or other forms of harassment, she’s encouraged to speak up and not ignore it.
- When she learns about historical inaccuracies in school, we’ve taught her to respectfully challenge those narratives.
- If she feels anger about global issues, we emphasize the importance of research before reacting impulsively.
These lessons empower her not just to respond to immediate situations but to develop a sense of empathy and social responsibility. It’s about creating a deep understanding of ourselves and our potential to effect change.
To those who argue that children belong in schools rather than protests, I counter that the world serves as the best classroom. While traditional education covers subjects like math and science, it often falls short in teaching compassion and social justice. Through advocacy, children learn about human rights, kindness, and the power of civic engagement.
As parents, we have the responsibility to equip our children with the tools they need to navigate injustices and to cultivate a sense of compassion that can sometimes be hard to find. For more insights on this topic, check out this blog post. It’s essential to foster an environment where our children can explore who they are and find their voices in matters that resonate with them.
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In summary, empowering our children to advocate for themselves and others is crucial for their development and the betterment of society. By instilling these values, we’re preparing them to navigate a world full of challenges with compassion, knowledge, and courage.