While engaging in political culture and processes can be interesting, educational, and of course vitally important, it can also be a big pain, not to mention mind-numbingly boring. There's a reason Jerry Nadler falls asleep during his committee meetings, though it could also be because he's in his fifteenth term in Congress (term limits, anyone?).
Just like eating vegetables or boycotting Disney, what's good for you isn't always the most enjoyable, so you have to find ways to make it fun. Teachers and homeschool parents certainly understand this. If there's one group of people who should be taught about our political system, it's the next generation...because they'll have to live under it.
To that end, teaching your kids to engage in the civic process is a must, and COS has got you covered with ten action steps!
1. When you vote, take your kids along
When you take that trip to the voting center, you should have three things with you: your ballot, your I.D., and your child. Kids mimic their parents, so when they see you engaging in the political process, odds are they'll want to do it too.
2. Talk about the issues going on in the world
A common saying is: "don't discuss religion or politics." To be frank, this kind of thinking has brought America to the brink of Communism. Truth won't be revealed if it's never discussed, so have those discussions, and include your kids in them. Ask them questions. "What do you think about this?" Of course, some topics are inappropriate for tender minds, but you're never too young to learn about the Constitution!
3. Find an issue your kid cares about, have them research it, then write to their elected official
We said it before and we'll say it again: hand-written letters are the best way! People won't care about things that don't seem to affect them, so have your child choose a political topic being debated by either the U.S. or your state congress, study it, and write to their representative about it.
4. Take a trip to your state capitol
Depending on where you live, this could either be a quick jaunt or a day's drive, but taking your kids to visit the place where laws are made can serve to connect them with the process. Plus, there are some truly beautiful state capitols in America!
5. Ask them about what they're studying in school
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's shocking how many parents are completely oblivious to what their kid is or isn't learning in school. This will not only serve to fuel civic discussion, but can also make you aware of certain issues that should not be happening within the hallowed halls of education.
6. Encourage your kids to engage locally in school or in the community.
There are many opportunities for such engagement, whether on student debate teams or councils, homeschool co-ops, or county council meetings.
7. Patriot Academy
Patriot Academy is a fantastic resource for young people looking to engage. Their annual Leadership Congresses are open to ages 16 and up, and their Constitutional Literacy and Biblical Citizenship courses are accessible to anyone.
8. Reading the Constitution, Declaration, and Bill of Rights
Need we say more? If you really want to swing for the fences, read them the Federalist Papers, too!
9. Staging mock campaigns
This option is viable in school or at home. Kids can pretend to be political candidates for any position, be it local, state, or federal, and essentially campaign for office. Debates can be held, campaign teams assembled if there are enough participants, and at the end, an election. Throw them curve balls as well, with challenging questions and issues that arise during actual races! Make sure to keep it as realistic as possible.
10. Bible Study
Some may ask what the Bible has to do with politics, but the answer is: everything. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17. When writing the Constitution, the most referenced source the Founders used was the Bible. It is the blueprint for freedom and civil government, and is irreplicable as a textbook to teach your kids why civic engagement is so important.
If you, or another adult family or friend is looking to engage civically yourself, sign the petition and get involved with Convention of States!
