Sept.-Oct. 2004:
Protests Target Bush Agenda
WRL at the RNC
WRL, The RNC and the Media
Another Generation
The Profits & the War
Let Us Go Forward Together
Letters

Homepages:
War Resisters League
The Nonviolent Activist

The Next Generation

vividly remember when I was a five-year-old kid, handing out George McGovern for President flyers in 1972 with my dad and step-mom. Another time I wore a picket sign around my neck in support of my mom and other teachers who were on strike for smaller classes. These political events had—and continue to have—a profound effect on me. It has always made sense to me that if we complain about something, if we want something to be better, then we have to do something about it. And taking action with my parents seemed so natural—and so wonderful!

Now married and a father, I’ve shared this precious gift with our son Zev. We participate in various political activities together. Only eight years old, he’s already been involved in electoral campaigns for progressive candidates at the city, state and federal levels. We’ve also involved ourselves in single-issue, single-event campaigns against Bush and Cheney, against the wars and against oil companies and greedy landlords, and for better education, a cleaner environment, protection of animals and vegetarianism and universal health care. We even marched in solidarity with striking nurses at the hospital where Zev was born!

Zev is growing up involved in politics and enjoys actively participating in political actions. It’s a great way to spend time together and, as I often remind him, to do the work of citizens. Besides going to occasional rallies and protests—where we sing, dance, march, make up slogans and chants, toot horns, talk to others, wave our signs, play, snack and laugh—we write letters, draw pictures and distribute flyers. Especially fun for Zev is when we’ve gone around the neighborhood placing doorhangers on apartment doorknobs. People are often surprised how well Zev knows the issues, which makes him—and me—very proud. Zev has even created his own “newspaper” against war, which we posted on Indymedia.org, e-mailed to people, mailed to politicians and gave to family and friends.

Zev doesn’t agree with all his parents’ political positions—and that’s OK with us. Values are much more important than any particular position. We’ve always taught him to think independently and critically; to question authority (whether ours, the president’s, or the advertisers’) while remaining respectful; to be wary of those who are greedy for money or power; and to recognize that there’s strength in numbers and community. We’ve also taught Zev to love fairness and to love life. He, in turn, teaches us so much about these and other important things. Zev knows that loving your country and your world means trying to make them better, while also appreciating what you already have.

Though we frequently go to the park or science museum when school is out, Zev often asks if we could make signs or hand out flyers “to make the world better.” You can only imagine how proud a father I am! We’ve given each other a gift that I expect one day will be shared with yet another generation.

Here are some tips on how to play politics with your child(ren):

• Talk with your child(ren) about the issues of the day in age-appropriate ways. Encourage them to ask questions. Politics can be part of family discussions, instead of a mysterious or taboo subject. Explain how certain policies affect people, communities and the environment.
• Teach your child(ren) about fairness and compassion as guiding principles. Encourage your child(ren) to think creatively and expansively. Ask them about fair ways to resolve problems and what they can do to help.
• Read books that have social justice themes with your child(ren); speak with teachers and librarians for suggestions. Think of new and fairer endings to other stories.
• Make your own signs for rallies, protests, yards, front doors, refrigerators, etc. Don’t worry about “mistakes” and encourage your child(ren) to be caring and creative.
• Write letters and draw pictures with your child(ren) and then send them to politicians, newspapers, corporations, organizations and others. Make copies to post on bulletin boards and to distribute by hand.
• Participate with your child(ren) in peaceful political activities. It’s never too early—or too late—to begin.
• Make politics and political actions meaningful and fun!

Dan Brook, Ph.D., is a freelance writer, a trained community mediator, a part-time teacher and full-time father in San Francisco. Zev is a really cool kid in third grade. See CyberBrook’s ThinkLinks at www.brook.com/cyberbrook.