Does your child want to make a difference in the world? It’s never too early to start becoming an advocate! Help your child stand up for what they believe in and make their voice heard. Kids can advocate for social issues, environmental causes, education rights, and so much more. As adults, we can help by guiding their ideas, providing resources, and sharing our own experiences with them. Let’s empower the next generation to create change and seek advocacy opportunities!
1. Nature Clean-Up
Support your child by participating in a planned community clean-up or by organizing for your own family to head out together to pick up trash. Bring trash bags and gloves. Then, start cleaning a local area. It’s as simple as that! This will teach your child the importance of advocating for Mother Earth.
Learn More: Kiwi Co
2. Advocacy Writing
Whether your child wants to advocate for animal rights, the rights of students, or something else on their mind, show them how their writing can be a form of activism. They can start a petition or write letters to government officials and decision-makers. They will see how their letters have a direct approach to political decisions in the community.
Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers
3. Hold A Fundraiser
Fundraisers come in many shapes and sizes. Your child could work together with community partnerships like a local charity or non-profit organization. They could also develop their own idea and send the money they earn to a charity of their choosing.
Learn More: Save the Children
4. Environmental Advocacy
Something as simple as recycling can be a form of advocacy for the environment. Teach your child to collect, sort, and separate all recycling in your home. They will be able to see a simple way that people can make a difference.
Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers
5. Powerful Artwork
Art has an incredible way of empowering others and teaching a story about different types of issues. Work with your child to create and share their artwork, or videos, that raise awareness about a social or environmental opinion. They could even create a public mural with sidewalk chalk to get their ideas across.
Learn More: The Art of Education
6. Community Engagement
Set up a weekly volunteering opportunity with your child so they can make an impact. They might choose to volunteer at a homeless shelter, food bank, or animal rescue organization, or donate clothes. Whatever it is, ensure it is something that aligns with their goals for advocacy.
Learn More: Parents
7. Attend A Protest
Perhaps the best way to see how advocating can make a difference is through a rally or protest. Create a protest sign with your child and head to a local peaceful rally to support a cause that they have strongly held beliefs in.
Learn More: Jenn Sutherland-Miller, Medium
8. Book Drive
Is your child trying to find ways to advocate for educational rights, resources for kids, or the environment? Help them by working together with your local library or elementary school to start a book drive program. Families can donate pre-owned books which can be sent off to families who need resources.
Learn More: Book Spring
9. Create A Website
Wanting to get your child’s message across? Create a website or blog to share information and resources about an issue they care about. This can be as simple as using a Google Site! Help them to get their voice heard, digitally, while learning about the advocacy process.
Learn More: ThoughtCo
10. Partner With A Local Organization
There are always local organizations and community groups that are seeking young changemakers. Work with your child to research one they are engaged in and then create a service project that addresses a local need or issue with the group. This experience will help your child learn about different aspects of advocacy.
Learn More: Nurture and Thrive
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