Take Action

Looking for creative projects you can do with your kids to talk about taking action to help your community or other communities? Throughout history, art has played an important role in social activism and community change.

Make a poster

Supplies

Poster board or heavy paper/ cardboard
Paint, markers, collage supplies

Discussion

“Help your children think of appropriate slogans and consider making signs with slogans to which children can relate. A simple peace sign or simply “Be Kind” can keep your signs on-message and age-appropriate.” - Scary Mommy
Values are things you really believe in and that shape how you act. What do you think some of your values are?
What’s a phrase or saying that embraces your values or demonstrates how you feel?
Here are some more guidelines about having conversations with kids about protest and action
- Talking with Kids About Protest (Especially for kids ages 6 and under) - Article 20 Network

Directions

Watch this video about 5 steps for making political art (from PBS/KQED Art School)

Share your art with us: https://wp.me/p4AWsA-eJ Boldness, accessibility, visibility and reproducibility are just a few of the qualities that help make politi...

Make your own! Keep it simple, or get fancy and learn to screen print at home! Whether you’re attending a peaceful protest or rally or hanging it in your window, a poster can be a powerful way to share your statement with the world.

Check out some inspiration from these posters Creatives Project artist Jessica Caldas made with students at Clarkston High School a few years ago before the 2018 election cycle.

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The Soul Box Project

For older children, “the Soul Box Project collects and exhibits thousands of hand-folded origami boxes to raise awareness of the U.S. gunfire epidemic. Each Soul Box represents one victim.”

Supplies

Paper, ruler, scissors, coloring supplies to decorate your box

Directions (click)

The SOUL BOX PROJECT will create a mind-boggling, heart-wrenching VISUAL STATEMENT revealing the number of gun violence victims using something very simple: ...

Discussion

How did you feel before making your box?
How do you feel afterward?
What do you think about sending your box to the Project to be displayed alongside thousands of others?
Here are some other examples of collaborative community art projects that bring awareness to social issues.

Filmmaker Nicholas Brown says when he saw his first Soul Box panel “…I immediately zeroed in on a familiar face; my high school friend Maxine, who was killed during the Virginia Tech shooting in 2007. Of all of the tens of thousands of boxes that have been created for this project, that was the first one that I saw in person. And I think that was when I realized the impact that this project could have on people, and I knew that it was a story that I wanted to tell.” QuickHitRecord Media.(Rev)

Make and send postcards

Look up your local political leaders and send them a message sharing your voice. You can also create and send postcards to help remind friends and family members to vote at upcoming elections!

Find your elected officials HERE.

Discussion

Introduce yourself: What do you think it is important that our elected officials know about you? Make sure you include where you live, so they know they represent you!
What are one or two issues you really care about that you want them to care about too?
Where do your officials stand? Do a little research to find out the stance your officials take on those issues. If they agree with you, let them know! Thank them and encourage them to keep holding their position. If you disagree, respectfully let them know and give them three reasons why you want them to think about other point of view.