As socialists, our values include welcoming socialists of all ages, and supporting each other in fully participating in the socialist movement.
Similarly to how we view praxis as putting theory and ideas into action, play is how children learn to connect with their world.
To that end, we have developed The Kid Committee, our children’s program, which allows their grown-ups to fully participate in meetings, while also introducing kids to fundamental concepts like democratic decision-making, skill-building and sharing, public ownership, and socialist history, woven into fun activities and games.
The Kid Committee grew out of our child watch program, where kids were looked after while their grown-ups attended the chapter’s General Meetings. Now the kids get to practice democracy as they decide what skills and topics they’d like to learn and work on. We draw upon the wealth of expertise in our community to learn:
- Resiliency skills (crafts, how-to projects, etc.)
- About public works and production in Oregon (think: guest speakers & factory tours)
- Stories of socialists and mass movements that improved our world
Who are the adults supporting the Kid Committee?
Karin S. and Nicki A. are the current program leads. They both have professional experience with children and current background checks. We will always have at least 2 adults in the room with children. There are additional volunteers from the DSA community who have been vetted in the following ways:
- Sex Offender Registry check
- Personal references
- ID
If you would like to volunteer for a shift (the first or second half of a GM), please fill out this form
Who is invited to attend the Kid Committee?
Everyone is welcome. Older kids (9-13) and younger kids will often be split into those age groups due to interests and attention spans. We hope to combine for certain activities so that older kids can mentor younger kids.
Where does the Kid Committee meet?
We meet in the same building as the PDX DSA General Meetings, the Eliot Center at First Unitarian Church in downtown Portland. The entrance is at 1211 SW Main St. Go in the main door and follow the signs to go down the stairs. The ADA accessible entrance is around the corner on 12th between the two buildings.
Does the Kid Committee meet outside of PDX GMs?
Yes! The Kid Committee plans to host gatherings regularly: hikes, park meet-ups, field trips, etc.
How can I help?
Please fill out this form: Welcome to the PDX DSA Children’s Program!
We are always looking for folks who can:
- Give short, age-appropriate presentations (could be about socialist historical figures, stories about mass movements, First Aid Skills, etc.
- Teach hands-on lessons think crafts, resilience skills, etc.
- Donate supplies and snacks
What can my child expect when attending Kid Committee?
- Caring, responsible, and prepared adults
- Hands-on activities (art projects, skill-building, problem solving)
- Engaging discussion on socialist themes
How does drop-off work?
When you bring your child, you’ll fill out a Child Information Card which we return to you when you pick up your child (we do not hold onto your information):
Sample Schedule
Soft Start (2-2:10 pm):
- Parents drop off kids.
- Give volunteers relevant information (allergies, phone numbers, etc.)
- Nametags
- Coloring sheets, sudoku, activity sheets, etc.
Age-Group Rotations:
- Hands-On Lesson: Clay Sculpting
- Mini Red Talk: Juneteenth (by the Abolition and Antiracist working group)
- Kids 8-11
- Kids 3-7