How does this issue impact YOU and the people you care about?
STEP 1: 5 MINUTES
Get Curious: Pick A Story
Which stories and videos make you interested in learning more about this issue?
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RAISING LUMINARIES
Raising Luminaries creates workshops, training, and educational resources for parents & caregivers igniting the next generation of kind & courageous leaders.
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Let's explore
Cooperation & Collective Action
Collective Action - When a group of people work together to change or fix something.
Compromise - Sharing or letting go of a few things we want so that everyone gets a little bit of what they need.
Interdependence - Relying on each other and sharing what each of us has enough of so no one person falls behind.
Team - A group of people working together
Together - Working as a group, instead of alone.
SMASH THE KYRIARCHY
Why Act Now?
You may feel feel sad and scared to see how others are hurting. You want to help - but some problems, like racism and ableism, are too big to fix all by yourself.
Luckily, when we work together as a team, each of us can share what we have plenty of, so no one runs out. We each help in ways we are good at. Our friends can help us with things we have trouble doing alone, and we can help them without feeling overwhelmed.
Let's join forces to fix big, big problems. It won't be easy - but our ancestors learned how to listen and compromise so we could be safe - and we can do the same to build a better future for all kids.
Giving Kids Hope When They Realize How Horrible The World Is: A Collective Action Toolkit For Kids
A Collective Action Toolkit For Kids
Ages 2-7
After tragedy strikes, a lonely little fish teaches others to cooperate to protect each other
Ages 3.5-9
The Worms That Saved The World
Organizing, strategizing, and creating disruption against dangerously unchecked power.
(Disclosure: Author sent me a free copy for review)
Ages 4-6
Little letters use their skills to change discriminatory policies written by adults.
Ages 4-8
Neighborhood children band together to break the right rules and bother the right people while protecting vulnerable neighbors.
Love Nature
With remarkable communication skills, weaver ants work together to protect their homes in trees and trap prey.
Ages 4-8
Everyone has something to contribute - how a local community gathers to care for and feed each other
Ages 4.5+
When a predatory landlord threatens to destroy this community, they raise their voices to protect thiier home
TED-ED
Understanding US vs. THEM
How can working together in a larger group help us overcome bias and inequality?
Ages 6-10
Dr. Coo And The Pigeon Protest
Tired of being abused and maligned, city pigeons inspire each other by learning about their history, culture, and collective power
Ages 8+
After being tricked and taken advantage of by an employer, these employees form a coalition to end labor exploitation
More Kid-Approved Favorites
Kids Books About Collective Action
STEP 2: 10 MINUTES
Ask Questions
Talk about this topic with an adult who you trust to be honest with you..
What...
What's one problem that's too big for you to solve all by yourself?
Who...
Who has solved problems like this before?
Who could you ask for ideas or advice?
Who could you ask for time, money, or other resources?
How...
How can you contribute towards solving the problem in a small way?
How do your contributions make this challenge easier to solve for others?
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STEP 3: USE WHAT YOU HAVE
Get Creative
Flex your brain using what you've learned & discover what's within your control to change.
Toddlers & Pre-K
Work Together Helping Game
1-3 collaborators
Teach your child that helping can be fun using a basket and set of blocks
Via PBS Kids
Pre-K+
Create A Collaborative Story
2-6 collaborators
Take turns creating elements of a story in this story chain activity for a surprising tale filled with unexpected plot twists.
Pre-K+
Create A Post-It Mural
7+ collaborators
Create post-it art, bringing together doodles from each collaborator into a colorful mural.
Kindergarten+
Exquisite Corpse Drawning
3 collaborators
Create a surreal drawing of a person with the help of friends.
via Art With Trista
Elementary+
Create A Paper Quilt
9+ collaborators
Create a collaborative paper quilt with only glue, paper, and scissors.
via Nic Hahn
Upper Elementary+
Improvize A Skit
2+ collaborators
Using the 'Yes, And..." technique, create a fun collaborative skit with friends.
via Highlights Kids
IT'S STILL OKAY TO LAUGH
Hard conversations with humor & joy
Every month the Luminary Braintrust tackles a new member challenge to make talking about social justice easier in real life.
STEP 4: ASSESS YOUR CAPACITY
Step Into Your Power: Take Action
Whether it's time, money, or our voice - we all have something to contribute.
RAISING LUMINARIES
Raising Luminaries creates workshops, training, and educational resources for parents & caregivers igniting the next generation of kind & courageous leaders.
ABOUT | MISSION | FINANCIALS | ACCOUNTABILITY
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
STAY IN TOUCH
Get free weekly email notifications with toolkits, guides & little delights
FREE STUFF
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
SHOP
Posts may contain affiliate links and sponsorships, which allow me to earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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TOPICS
CONTACT
RECIPROCATE
Collaborate with Raising Luminaries on an issue important to you.
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DIG DEEPER
Bonus Resources
Share what worked for your family (and what didn't).
Add the resources you suggest in the comments below to help families like yours.
ADVOCACY TRAINING
Join The Summer Luminator
Identify who needs you most and how to contribute to the movement - without burning out.
via Raising Luminaries
Book List
Disruption For Kids
Disrupting Injustice - Books About Resistance For Courageous Kids
via Raising Luminaries
LISTEN
Boundary Setting in Solidarity
What Parents Can Learn About Boundary Setting From Black and Asian Solidarity
via Come Back To Care
BOOK LIST
Breaking Walls & Building Bridges
Originally published in 2017, check out our first article and children's book recommendations to help caregivers discuss collective action with kids.
via Raising Luminaries
Stay Curious, Stand Brave & Smash The Kyriarchy
Raising Luminaries reduces the workload on overworked caregivers
igniting the next generation of kind & courageous leaders
Ashia (they/them or she/her)
Raising Luminaries is founded & run by me, Ashia Ray – an Autistic, multiracial (Chinese/Irish) 2nd-generation settler raising two children alongside my partner on the homelands of the Wampanoag and Massachusett people. I support families and educators in raising the next generation of kind & courageous leaders, so we can all smash the kyriarchy together.
Reciprocate & Contribute
Help me keep these resources free & accessible for all
RAISING LUMINARIES
Raising Luminaries creates workshops, training, and educational resources for parents & caregivers igniting the next generation of kind & courageous leaders.
ABOUT | MISSION | FINANCIALS | ACCOUNTABILITY
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
STAY IN TOUCH
Get free weekly email notifications with toolkits, guides & little delights
FREE STUFF
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
SHOP
Posts may contain affiliate links and sponsorships, which allow me to earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
PARTNERS IN CAHOOTS
TOPICS
CONTACT
RECIPROCATE
Collaborate with Raising Luminaries on an issue important to you.
You’re welcome to share & boost this toolkit, with attribution to Raising Luminaries.
Raising Luminaries is anchored in the land of the Wampanoag & Massachusett People.
Support Wôpanâak early childhood education here.
©2024 Ashia Ray of Raising Luminaries™. All rights reserved.
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Photographs via Unsplash & Illustrations via Storyset, used with permission.
