“People always say there are 2 things you don’t talk about: politics and religion.” How many times have we heard someone say this? How many times have we been asked to avoid anything too “taboo”?” As someone who majored in Political Science and Religion, I have been often subject to unsolicited advice telling me to avoid discussing any topics related to my intellectual interest. When it came to these forbidden topics, the message was the same: don’t talk about it, don’t question, don’t implore. But if we don’t talk about it, how will we ever learn?
Here at The Village School, we believe learning is unavoidable. Learning occurs in our mistakes and our failures, the small and the big, the intentional and the unintentional. Learning occurs with our experiences. One of the ways we cultivate our unique experiences is through Project. Project time is essential to our model, it allows learners to explore, reflect, create and learn with endless possibilities. Projects are designed intentionally, using the framework of Universal Design as a guideline. With the then approaching election, I saw an opportunity for our learners to engage with one of the most feared topics of conversation: politics.
Over five weeks, we embarked on a civic journey. Our learners discovered the legislative process, weighed the pros and cons of an electoral college, created art used for activism and designed a policy flier imploring our Legislators to act now. We watched as our learners took charge and discovered policy issues impacting young people – not just adults. The ultimate goal? Journey to Capitol Hill and share their passion to Representatives. In groups of 4 – 5, our learners became lobbyists determined to spark change. Using the UN Rights of a Child as a guide, we asked our learners – what change do you want to see in our country? What Call to Action do you have for our politicians?
The answers both supposed and inspired us:
“No More Silence, Stop Gun Violence”
“Raise the Refugee Cap”
“More Play in the Day”
“Free Health Lunch in School”
“Affordable College for All”
Often, as adults, we assume that young people are disengaged with politics. We talk around the issue, operating under the false assumption that politics has little impact on them. This is done with the best intentions, it is the desire to shield them from the familiar vitriol and hate that has seeped into our political landscape. But as I watched our learners take charge of this project, I am reminded of the energy of young people. There’s something profoundly moving about watching a group of learners all under the age of 10 step into the realm of politics. As I chaperoned my group, I watched Discovery go from office to office – speaking to both Congressional staffers and Representatives. I couldn’t help but be in awe of the courage our learners exhibited when demanding change from our elected officials. Pride swelled in my chest as I watched each person we met exhibit the same expression of admiration and wonder as our learners delivered well practice speeches about their policy issue. Each interaction ended the same – a call to action and a tough question – what is your Representative doing to enact positive change in the community?
As I reflect on our Project, I am reminded that it’s not just the learner’s energy or courage that inspires us — it’s the audacity to hope. In a world too often bogged down by cynicism, conflict and division, learners’ engagement serves as a reminder to us all that politics is not just about power; it’s about possibility. I believe this possibility is endless, and can be found in our future generation of young learners.
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