Tomorrow there is a neighborhood planning process that I am going to attend. My city (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) underwent a terrible epic flood and citizens have been invited to share ideas.
I have been working on a voting proposal for children for the last year and a half… Does anyone know or can anyone find any research done on children and voting that I can use in my proposal? Should I leave it out? Does anyone have any ideas I can use in this proposal to convince the city officials that this is a good idea?
Our city used to be magical, but now it’s not. I grew up here and all of my memories are fond. My children are not having the same kinds of experiences that I had because things that were here are gone. For example, we used to have a drive in, a real mini zoo, pony rides, and fun community events such as parades and such….Anyway….
Here is my proposal….
Problem
Iowa is one of the first states to hold the presidential caucus during the election process when nominating the President of the United States. It is imperative we instill voting habits into our young people. My children and their friends have told me that they do not feel as if their vote will ever make a difference. I believe that is because they are never given the opportunity to vote for anything that is of interest to them.
Research has been done on children and their ability to make rational decisions.(having problems here) I believe that if children were asked to be involved in a larger community effort that they would be much more politically aware and involved than other children across the state that are not. I understood how I could make a difference in my own life. I agree with these people. However, I have learned that my children have a unique respect for things they had to work to get. I know that children can prove to be quite responsible if they experience some setbacks or disappointments when they are allowed to vote on issues. How can they complain when they are the ones who voted for it? Of course things may need to go back to the table to be revised. Kids need to know that the political process is a long drawn out process. It is grueling task; a battle of the wills of the masses.
A responsible voter will know the issue, walk into the booth with a clue as to who is who, and for what, and will confidently cast their vote. I spent many years guessing my way through the voting process and I do not trust that the process has gotten any easier. The fact of the matter is I have voted for people because I was not taught how to vote and did not understand the permanency of my vote until it was too late.
Proposal
I propose the City allot a portion of land for children to turn into a voting project. Children could come up with ideas and elect themes that then could go forward to be approved by the city council. Themes could be options that the City office gives to the students or ideas that the students come up with. Votes could be cast through the school system assigning each student to a computerized ballot. The computers can be programmed so that each student will have an opportunity to vote on the project.
Senior citizen volunteers can offer a harmonizing tone to the project. Seniors have a unique understanding of the voting process and can help decide on two of the most cost efficient and utilitarian causes. I am sure there are senior groups in this city that can appreciate the opportunity to leave an impression on a young person’s voting life.
Justification
The idea is to teach children the voting process while involving them in a community project. I think that kids these days have lost a lot of respect for the sanctity of the family and the community. It would not do us any good to talk and teach if we never give them any goals. This is an opportunity for two groups of people who usually feel left out the system to take part in something that the whole community can enjoy. Any project that has seniors mentoring youth usually come out positive for both groups that do not usually have much say in the community.
Conclusion
•Awards from the vote could be positive or negative. It teaches children the value of their individual voice and allows them to express it in a productive way.
•The current attitude held by the majority of the kids I have talked to said they would love this. I think that it would teach our kids respect for property, voting, and the permanency of choices.
•This project could pull the whole community together and attract families to the area because of its unique respect for both the youth and senior citizens.
•To have both suppressed groups, children and the elderly, to be a part of the community, and feel more at home.
•Finally, this would give Cedar Rapids children the opportunity to express their voice, make it count, and get them more involved in their future.
This proposal is for older children and politics ARE NOT for OLD people!
really all I need is stats nothing more.
DENTREMONT
