Hi Reader,

I've just updated one of my most important blog posts:

​11 ways to teach kids about voting and democracy (with 23 recommended books for kids & teens)​

This is the fourth time I've updated and expanded this post, which I wrote back in 2019. My thinking about the post has changed a lot since I first wrote it.

The original edition focused heavily on the democracy and active citizenship part of the title, and less so on voting.

As a former community organizer, I was frustrated by how many people acted as if voting was the only thing citizens needed to do. Instead, in my opinion, voting needed to framed as a starting point. If we wanted to see just and compassionate policies, then folks needed to start pressuring their newly elected officials as soon as they took office.

Now, though you'll notice that the post has a heavy emphasis on helping kids and teens understanding voting, especially how voter suppression happens today, as well as the history of voting rights struggles.

That's because voter suppression tactics have become more widespread with every federal election. In the last 15 years, more than half of U.S. states have passed laws that make it harder for people to vote.

If voting doesn't work, then no other aspect of democracy will work well either. I've realized how important it is for kids (and adults!) to understand that.

So, after that long introduction😂, let me tell you what you'll find in the blog post!

⭐ action ideas and lesson plan resources (including free ones) for learning about voter suppression and voting rights history

⭐ book recommendations for all age levels (preschool through high school) about why voting matters, leaders in the voting rights movement, and how elections work

⭐ resources for developing media literacy and identifying misinformation in media about political issues.

I hope you'll use at least one of the books, action ideas, or lesson resources between now and Election Day (November 3rd.)

Happy learning,

Rebekah

P.S. With all the chaos of back to school, you may have missed my announcement last week. I have a brand new resource I'd love for you to check out: Past and Present Fights for Voting Rights. It's an activity pack for kids & teens (elementary through high school) that is perfect for this fall. And because I believe learning and action should go hand in hand, I'm donating 10% of the proceeds to The Equity Alliance's Tennessee Black Voter Project.

Rebekah Gienapp (she/her/hers) | rebekahgienapp.com | Connect on Instagram | Coffees for Gaza | Knit 4 Justice​