You have already decided that it is important to teach your children and youth about our Unitarian Universalist Principles and values, but how can we help our kids learn to put these words into action?
The up and coming holidays can provide a wonderful springboard for this discussion!
During this time of year it can be all too easy to get lost in our consumerist culture and forget about the themes of gratitude, love, and giving that are so important to celebrating the Holidays. Getting our kids thinking about and sharing their plenty can be easy and fun!
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Start with a book! Sometimes starting the conversation is as easy as finding a book about making a difference! Whether you immerse yourself in a biography about your favorite philanthropist, check out some books to help you learn how to green your home, or share a picture book with a child about someone who makes a difference, inspiration for change can be found in the pages of a book.
- Celebrate our UU commitment to Social Justice. Remind children that our commitment to help others is a reflection of our UU Principles and explore the ways that UUs give back. For example, many of our UU congregations have a tradition of participating in the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee’s Guest at Your Table program. This can be a simple way to give back!
- Identify your passions. Is there a child in your family who is particularly crazy about animals? Or maybe your family cares deeply about adoption or foster care. Choose an organization which reflects your passions!
- Discover the best way to help. Call the organizations that you are interested in helping; does the local soup kitchen need money or do they need people to help serve food?
- Go Local. Choosing a local organization can help your family go a step further than just giving money and can allow you to learn so much more about the organization by volunteering on-site!
- Giving (instead of Gifts). If you are hosting a holiday party ask guests to consider making a small donation to your organization. Or instead of buying gifts in excess, make a commitment as a family to buy less and give more!