Grammar School Students Who Already Challenge and Change The World

by Frank Panzarella, community activist

The Green Wolves, fourth-grade students at Elm City College Preparatory Elementary School, came up with that name for their own wonderful and imaginative adventure in becoming young activists.

Their teacher, Kurt Zimmermann of their Expeditions class, saw the PAR newsletter on-line and invited us to do a training for young people on things to think about when becoming an activist.

While some were still shy, others were bursting with ideas and questions. They surprised us right off by quoting suggestions from our own notes before we even began.

These kids were very interested in environmental issues and showed us their current great campaign. They raised money to replace all the teachers’ disposable coffee cups with lovely ceramic mugs that had the teachers’ names printed on them, so the teachers would reduce their paper waste.

We were thrilled to meet this group of engaging and endearing students and thank Mr. Zimmermann for the opportunity. We thought PAR readers would be interested in the notes we left the students with.

An Activist Guide List – Questions to Ask Yourself

• “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead
• “Doing something is better than doing nothing.”
• “My way is not the only way.”

Passion

• What are the issues you feel strongly about? What would you like to accomplish or change? What do you need to study and understand?
• Are there other people you know concerned about these issues? Who can you talk with?

Organize

• How can you educate people about why your issue is important?
• What are your short term and long term goals? What would you like to see happen in relation to your cause?
• Who is it you would like to reach on your cause?
• Are there people or groups who might be allies in reaching your goals?

Action Plans

• What kinds of actions are appropriate for your cause?

Educational events

• Write letters, articles, and petitions.
• Use social media.

Rallies and demonstrations

• Picket lines
• Speak at hearings or local government meetings.

Create a plan to advance your cause and build support

• Call a meeting to plan your actions if necessary.
• Figure out a group process.
• Be aware of your members and their ideas.
• Promote democracy in action – listen to all and learn to resolve differences.
• Respect the rights of others to have different views.
• Struggle for a programmatic unity on issues — in other words, something everyone in your group can agree on to take some action.
• Have a summation meeting. Meet again after your action to figure out what worked and what didn’t. What do you think could have been better? Decide if you will do something next, and pick a date for another meeting to figure out what it will be.
• Have fun doing good things for the benefit of everyone.