The Power of Advocacy: How Parents can Help Kids Make a Difference
As parents, we know that you want to raise compassionate kids, embrace empathy, and make the world a better place.
One way to do that effectively is to teach kids about citizenship and the importance of advocacy. Advocacy isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a powerful tool that can shape outcomes, break down barriers, and create meaningful change. For parents and champions, advocacy allows you to fight for the issues that matter to you and your community.
Whether it’s standing up for what you believe is important, working to improve services, or extending fair opportunities to everyone, advocacy matters! There is no time like the present to show children ways that they can advocate to make the world a better place.
With gratitude,
—MiaLisa Millares, Executive Director
ACTION
Practice Advocacy with Your Family.
Check out this blog that has ideas about how to practice advocacy with your family members and some templates to help organize your thoughts and take action.
Have Civil Conversations.
As citizens we have lots of different ideas about how the world should be. Here are some resources for kids to engage in civil conversations.
Teach the Power of Speaking Up.
When you are passionate about a topic, it is important to speak up and show up. Check out these resources to help teach children the power of speaking up.
Family Guide to Active Citizenship.
re you looking for a way to show your children that they can be an active participant in their community, state and country? Check out this Active Guide to Citizenship for ideas on how to broach this topic with your children.
Volunteer with Kindness.
One way to do something meaningful and impactful is when you want to make a difference is to step up and volunteer with your children. Check out our free volunteer listings. Simply subscribe to the list and receive a free monthly email that details a number of different opportunities in your community to give back as a family.
Sign up for weekly kindness inspiration and tips.
If you are not already one of our DGT Family members, check out this exclusive membership program that inspires families to maintain a kindness practice together. Many of our membership offerings are also available as individual kits to help promote empathy and big-hearted conversations with your kids.
CONVERSATIONS
What does being a good citizen mean to you?
Can you think of ways you can help others in your community?
Why is it important to follow rules and laws?
How can showing respect to others make your school or neighborhood a better place?
What are some things you can do to take care of the environment?
How do you think teamwork can help solve problems in your community?
Can you describe a time when you stood up for someone or something you believed in?
What does fairness mean, and how can you practice it in your daily life?
How do small actions, like kindness or picking up litter, make a big difference?
READ
One of the great things about living in a democracy is that we have the opportunity to speak up and advocate for what we believe in. Check out these books that teach about the importance of citizenship.
INSPIRATION
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
—Margaret Mead