by Jennifer M
(originally published in Currents June/July 2004, Children's Corner Column)

An organization called Kids Voting USA, Inc. has developed an educational program designed to get kids interested in the democratic process and, thereby, get them to vote once they turn 18. Voter turnout in the USA is embarrassingly low, and the main purpose of this organization is to help the adults of our future realize what a valuable and significant right voting is.

Sample activities are available on their website (www.kidsvotingusa.org), which you can print out and work on with your kids at home. The lessons are divided into five core concepts:

1. My vote gives me power.
2. I have a right and a responsibility to vote.
3. I study the candidates and issues.
4. I register and vote.
5. I continue to make a difference.

One activity out of concept No. 2 is entitled “Voting in My Community: State Issue Watch.” The objective of this project is for students to contact their state lawmakers and learn about their positions on an issue of public interest, particularly concerning youth issues. Here is how it can be done:

1. Have your child read newspapers and watch TV news shows; encourage them to focus on news at a state level. From overseas, you can visit state newspaper websites. What issues are of concern? How do they affect your child’s life and future?

2. Have your child check your state government’s website to find out about issues that will be voted on in the near future.

3. After reviewing all issues of concern at the state level, have your child pick out one that he or she is particularly interested in. Your child should then research the issue and develop an understanding of the various perspectives on it.

4. Have your child develop his or her own perspective and choose a method for making his or her voice heard by state representatives. Possibilities include in-person lobbying, phoning, writing letters or sending emails.

5. Before contacting the chosen elected official, your child should use a government website to find out how this individual currently views the issue, his/her past voting record on the issue and any other pertinent information that will assist your child in developing an appropriate communication.

6. Your child should include the following information, regardless of the method chosen: name and contact information (be sure to use your voter registration address in the U.S. as the return address and include an email address for the official to contact your child), why they are contacting the elected official, some basic knowledge and facts about the issue, his/her perspective on the issue, how your child would like the elected official to take action on the issue and a request for a response from the elected official as to his/her views and intended action.

7. Set up a bulletin board in your home for your child to keep up with responses and newspaper clippings or website printouts regarding the issue. Your child can also periodically review state government websites to find out what votes or actions have been taken on the issue.

8. Your child can also brainstorm how to inform other kids, parents and community members about the issue and encourage involvement.

You never know, you might find yourself getting active on issues you never would have previously imagined without the help of your child.