We the People Tigard Area Resources

How to find protest near me?

An easy site with information about protests and demonstration events, petitions, and volunteer opportunities: https://www.mobilize.us

What else can I do to make my voice heard?

Phone calls are a powerful tool.  Call your congressional representatives.  This website has their names and office phone numbers and suggestions for topics and how to make your calls more effective: https://www.5calls.org

How can I help protect and empower children to deal with social justice issues and peaceful protests?

*Talk with your children. Ask what they know and what they are worried about.

*Validate their concerns. Be clear with them about the things we can and cannot do to affect change.  Help them see how they can actively participate in social justice and protest initiatives.  Remind them they can talk with trusted adults about their feelings. Help them learn more about current events through age-appropriate materials. 

*Talk about your family values. Engage, as a family and as individuals, in behaviors that demonstrate your beliefs about personal, social, and civic responsibility.

*Help children learn to prevent and manage emotionally overwhelming situations by setting boundaries for yourself and your family. Our bodies are the first line of defense to deal with stress. Practice mindfulness and teach deep breathing, engage in 5-senses (5-4-3-2-1) grounding techniques to be in the present moment, and get outside to play and be physically active.

*Use books and personal stories of overcoming obstacles to encourage persistence and courage.  Finding ways to participate in making changes reduces stress and worry in adults and children.

*Manage media exposure. Over exposure to social and news media plays a role in increased stress and depression levels in children and teens. Turn things off, especially before bedtime.

Additional resources:

A website promoting the well-being of young people through education. Great resource for parents and educators. https://www.mghclaycenter.org

This website explains how to practice the “5-4-3-2-1 Coping Technique for Anxiety,” to manage stress and anxiety. Features an article and youtube video. https://urmc.rochester.edu

Books:

Children as Change Makers: A Resource to Enhance Child Centered Practice and Extend Active Learning Opportunities by Sam Frankel and Daniella Bendo. Empowering children by helping them discover their values, voice, and vision. Written for adults.

All the Way to the Top:  One Girl’s Fight for Americans with Disabilities changed Everything by Annette Bay Pimentel. This children’s book is the true story of a young girl, determined to make a change, even if she was just a kid.  And, she did! Recommended for children ages, 5-8.