Earth Week 2020: Family Action Day #5

Day Five: Friday 4/24

Theme: Voting & civic engagement for the climate

Why it’s important: 

We need leaders who will address the existential threat of climate change, and for this to happen, we need people to show up at the polls, and engage in the political process. Voting is a critical way to make our voices heard in order to change policy, determine how government funds are allocated, and advocate for climate solutions on a national level. Politicians at all levels of government need to hear that enacting bold policies to address the climate crisis is of critical importance to voters.

Today’s Actions: 

• Tell Joe Biden: Be a real climate leader

• Sign this petition for Vote by Mail in all 50 States

• Complete the 2020 census if you haven’t already

• Research where local candidates stand on climate issues, and pledge to vote for candidates that support climate justice & climate action

Activities: (Choose one or two)

For the whole family:

• Tune in to Earth Day Live 2020 - Today’s focus is on voter registration & political engagement

• Have an election at your home. 

  • Decide what is on the ballot: What to eat for lunch, next movie to watch, house “President for a day”... Or better yet, this is a great opportunity to choose your family’s year-long climate action (see Action Day One) if you haven’t already.

  • Have a “town hall” discussion about the pros and cons of each option. Create a ballot box and cast your ballots. Tally votes and then announce the winner!  

  • Voting Printables, Printable Ballot Generator

For younger kids:

• Check out these short videos about voting & why its important:

  • Sesame Street Vote video

  • Voting for Kids - Why Voting is Important

For older kids:

• Play one of these educational video games from iCivic to learn about civic engagement and voting. They’re short and engaging.

• Check out these videos to learn and talk about the importance of voting, and the history of voting rights

  • The Fight for the Right to Vote in the US - Ted ED video

  • Turning out the Youth Vote - Check out these videos of youth talking about why voting matters - PBS Student Reporting Labs

Related resources: 

• Books about voting and civic action - Kid’s Reading List from Multnomah Library!  curated for Families for a Livable Climate by a local librarian! Most are available as eBooks

• iCivics Remote Learning Toolkit for Families

• Read this summary of the recent Portland Mayoral Candidates Debate on Climate

• Oregon League of Conservation Voters - Endorsements of candidates supporting environmental conservation and solutions to the climate crisis 

• Environmental Voter Project 

• Groups fighting voter suppression nationwide

  • League of Women Voters

  • Fair Fight