Teach the Power of Speaking Up

Make a difference in your community by sharing your opinion with leaders.

Contacting your elected officials when you feel strongly about an issue can teach your children about being engaged citizens.

NEW! Members now enjoy exclusive access to DGT’s toolkit for civic engagement, perfect for families who want a thoughtful way to make a difference. Also available for purchase in the DGT Store.

Possible recipients

The person/group that benefits when you tell elected officials your opinion.

What you’ll need

• Paper and pen or a computer/printer

• Stamp (if mailing)

• 3-ring binder (optional)

• Passion for a cause

Instructions

• Gather Addresses: Find your congressional leaders here. Find your state and local leaders here. Post their name, email address, phone numbers and photo in a prominent place – perhaps the refrigerator.

• Choose an issue: Browse our advocacy templates and choose one that speaks to you. Or when an issue arises that you feel is important, talk to your family about why it matters to you. Ask their opinion, too.

• Discuss how your family will make a difference: Before asking your leaders to support your issue, consider how your family will volunteer or donate to an organization working on that issue. If using a DGT template, you’ll find ideas here.

• Write your letter: After your chat about your issue, send a note to your representative stating your position. If you have younger children, have them draw a picture to include.

• Celebrate the result: If you get a mailed response, post it on the refrigerator. Or collect responses in a 3-ring binder.

Reflections

• Why is it important to be an active citizen?

• Encourage your children to bring up issues that matter to them, and talk about how they can make a difference.

• How do you think elected officials can be spokespersons for those they represent?

• What issues would be most important to you if you were an elected official? Which job would you like to have?

• What are other ways you can you get involved and have your voice heard?

Resources

• D Is for Democracy: A Citizen’s Alphabet by Elissa Grodin
  In this rhyming primer, each letter introduces a different concept to the reader, such as “A” for “amendment” and “B” for “Bill of Rights.”

• If I Ran for President by Catherine Stier
  Six children discuss what they would do if they were running for president. Describes the election process from making the decision to run to being sworn in.

• Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers
  What can the Statue of Liberty teach children about freedom, courage, and the  nature of our democracy? Kids of all ages will be captivated by the answer with this clever, eye-opening introduction to America's greatest icon.

Take it further

• Make your voice heard with a phone call! Leaving a voice mail or speaking with a staff person about your concerns holds more weight with legislative leaders.

• Take on a local issue (such as repairing a local playground or funding a new school gym) and have your family do whatever it can to be heard. Write letters, create a petition, visit your representatives or raise money.

• “Adopt” a larger issue as a family for a year — for example, literacy, homelessness, hunger or endangered species. Raise awareness, take up a collection of needed items, and advocate by contacting your representatives.

Still looking for creative ways to support a cause you love?

Check out our fun fundraiser ideas!

Disclaimer:  Doing Good Together™ is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

The recommendations we offer are based solely on our mission to empower parents to raise children who care and contribute.