Citation

Torres-Harding S, Baber A, Hilvers J, Hobbs N, Maly M. Educ. Citizen. Soc. Justice 2018; 13(1): 3-18.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1746197916684643

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

School-based social activism projects have much potential to foster civic engagement, self-efficacy, and positive youth development. Social activism projects may also be a means by which children, a group that is disempowered due to their age and dependence on adults, might seek to positively impact social and community problems. The current study evaluated elementary school age children's (K-7th grade) participation in grassroots campaigns, which are year-long school-based activism projects that are a component of their school's comprehensive social justice curriculum.

RESULTS found that even young children could successfully and meaningfully participate in these school-based activism projects. Additionally, students' participation in these projects was characterized by a high level of enthusiasm and also facilitated a sense of community and empowerment in these children.

Language: en