Teach the ChildrenUsually, when groups talk about training the next generation of activists, they're referring to teens and 20-somethings. But the DC Young Suffragists are kids age 5 to 12, who stage actions and fight for voters' rights in Washington. Here's the group's release on its latest action on May 6, which I posted here last week:
Nearly 30 children led families and friends on a march in front of the White House today to rally for DC voting rights. Many of the DC Young Suffragists delivered their first public speeches, addressing peers, parents and passers-by.
"Kids across the rest of America have full representation. So what are WE? Chopped LIVER?!" cried a 9-year-old boy from Washington. The audience of 5- to 12-year-olds whooped and hollered, rose to their feet and paraded around Lafayette Park shouting, "What do we want? Senators! When do we want 'em? NOW!" Curious eighth-graders from New Jersey, New York and Alaska came through on bus tours, as their delighted teachers explained the crazy predicament of DC's disenfranchised children.
As the rally began, the children used sidewalk chalk to start writing pro-senator slogans. A fast-approaching Park Ranger quickly put an end to their fun, however, explaining that chalk-writing on the sidewalk is considered defacing government property – even when it's five-year-olds! She went over the park permit with the children, explaining various regulations and safety restrictions, and kindly answered all their questions. Upon request, a nearby park policeman showed the wide-eyed children some handcuffs, and he and the ranger explained the concept of civil disobedience.
The DC Young Suffragists worked hard to prepare for the rally. They painted all their own signs and banners, decorated their T-shirts, and wrote their own slogans, speeches and songs. Begun by three Janney Elementary parents, the group plans to expand to three more schools in the Washington area over the 2004-05 school year.
DC Young Suffragists