Grandparents as Civics Teachers
Joline Godfrey
In May of 2022 a candidate I voted for in a local election won by one vote. That I almost didn’t vote in that election haunts me and now I write about how close I came to not voting—all the time.
My family was not ‘political.’ But my father was a town selectman; my mother was a school principal, and town meetings were events that one participated in as a matter of civic responsibility. On election days everyone voted—even without the luxury of absentee ballots. As my grandfather use to remind us all, “You can't complain about what’s happening in the world if you haven’t taken time to participate—and that includes voting.”
I have no idea HOW or for whom my grandparents and parents, aunts, and uncles voted, but I was very aware that they did. It wasn’t much discussed, rather it was simply done. As a kid, I knew when the grown-ups were voting; when I came of age and it was my turn, it didn’t occur to me not to vote.
But it’s easy to get sloppy: I’m busy (see my story in the link above); I didn’t get my absentee vote request in in time; I forgot this was election day and I couldn’t get to the polls; "oh, one vote doesn't matter” (see my story in the link above!). Fortunately for me, for my community, my country, the role model set by my parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles instilled in me a civic imperative. Just as you ‘help out’ as a family member; you ’show up’ as a community member. In both instances the roles we play as family and community members must be modeled and taught.
I confess my civic consciousness can be overbearing. There was the election day some years ago, when, sitting on a broad veranda in Honolulu, prepping for a family workshop with two colleagues, it occurred to me that we were working on the national election day. I'd submitted my absentee ballot well before leaving for that trip, but when I asked my then 30-something employees, “Did you vote before getting here?” they shook their heads.
My question must have seemed like it came out of nowhere. But my anger was suddenly hot and I said (inappropriately I’m, sure), “If I ever find out you have not voted again you'll be fired. Take the day off, do whatever you need to do, but honor the people who have lost their lives defending the right to vote by taking advantage of that right.” I managed to get my temper under control and after an awkward pause, we got on with prepping for the work ahead.
I hope they remember that exchange. Though I wish I had made a more compelling and sympathetic argument for election participation that day.
Which brings me to the role of grandparents and parents in nurturing civic involvement.
A recent Annenberg Civics Survey gave evidence that only 47 percent of Americans can name all three branches of government (25 percent cannot name any), and more than half feel disaffected by our system of government and pessimistic about our democracy. As it turns out, the other news the report delivered is that investments in civics are effective in increasing engagement in civic life.
The new year brings new opportunities to model engagement as civic stewards and informed voters. Parents—and especially grandparents—are front -line mentors. As Stephen Sondheim reminded us, “Children will listen.” Here are ten ways grandparents and parents can build a civics consciousness in grandkids:
1. Mention to your grandkids (in words, a call, a text, an email) whenever you vote. Don't tell them to vote; just let them know you are. No big deal.
2. When they reach voting age, celebrate it. Invite them to dinner, send them a note with a story of your own voting history. Don't tell them how or for whom to vote; just let them know you know they are now part of the decision-making public. Empower them!
3.When/if you make arrangements to get your own absentee ballot, reach out and ask if they want help getting their own. Gentle instruction in navigating their local bureaucracy (rather than a candidate advertisement) is a gift.
4. Offer to make a contribution to the candidate (or ballot initiative) of their choice on their next birthday.
5. Ask their advice about candidates or ballot initiatives. Who/what would they vote for and why? Listen to what they have to say.
6. Ask them to drive you to the polls on Election Day.
7. Send a podcast or article about a candidate or issue you know they care about. Let them know you're listening.
8. Take them to see Hamilton. Again.
9.?
10?
A Look at Civics Education in the United States