2006-2007 California Program Schedule

DC Democracy Project

League of Women Voters - Southwest Santa Clara Valley

Young children’s hands-on learning about citizenship, democracy and Washington, DC

Sponsored in part by League of Women Voters and the Government of the District of Columbia

January – June, 2007

Stories of Democracy

When - Wednesday, January 3, 2007, 3:30-5:00pm
What – Family story-time featuring books about the House and Senate, and what it’s like to live in Washington, DC, followed by hands-on activity. Coincides with swearing in of new members of US House and Senate in Washington, DC.
Who – children ages 5-12 and their families
Where - Saratoga Library community room, Saratoga, CA

Democracy-in-Action Field Trips

When - Once each week during March, 2007, 3:30-5pm.
What - Meet for special after-school tours at San Jose City Council, Japanese-American Museum, Rep. Honda’s office, Registrar of Voters.
Who - Limited to 30 parents and children. (Kids’ Leadership Team members must attend at least two of these programs to help plan culminating event.)

San Jose City Hall

When - Tuesday, March 6, 2007, 3:30-5:00pm
What - A docent-led tour of the new San Jose City Hall with an opportunity to be in the audience of a City Council meeting. During the tour, children will see and learn about the history of San Jose, local artists and prominent San Jose citizens, and will enjoy the rare opportunity to go up to the top of the rotunda.

Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters

Where - San Jose, CA
When - Thursday, March 15, 2007, 3:45-5:00pm
What - This behind-the-scenes tour offers a first-hand look at the voting process. Children will learn about ballots, petitions, the evolution of voting machines, as well as the special challenges and tech-savvy solutions unique to Santa Clara County at the epicenter of elections, the Registrar of Voters office.

New Citizens Induction Ceremony

Where - Heritage Theatre, Campbell, CA
When - Wednesday, March 21, 2007, 12:45-2:30pm
What - Children will witness the inspiring ceremony as hundreds of Santa Clara County residents taking the oath of citizenship and becoming naturalized citizens of the United States. Come early to see new citizens from the morning ceremony register to vote and learn about political parties in the carnival-like atmosphere outside the Campbell Heritage Theatre.

Meeting with Congressman Honda

Where - Campbell, CA
When - Friday, March 30, 2007, 4:00-5:00pm
What - Children will learn all about the important job of US Representative when Congressman Mike Honda hosts this informative session for kids and their families in his District Office. The youngsters will meet with the Congressman, tour his office, and meet his District staff.

Kids’ Leadership Team Meeting

When - Wednesday, April 4, 3:30-5:00pm
Who – 15 children and families
What – plan culminating event, distribute responsibilities
Where – email jane@youngsuffragists.org for location or more info

Kid's Democracy Day

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Saturday, May 5, 2007, 2-4 pm
Orchard City Green
Central Ave. and Civic Center Drive
Campbell, CA

Join us in downtown Campbell, California, as kids ages 4-12 celebrate democracy with the League of Women Voters and the California Young Suffragists. Don't miss this fun filled festival where kids will meet the mayor of Campbell, tour the city council chambers, check out a police car, try the latest electronic voting machines, meet a Superior Court judge, make your own buttons, read stories about making a difference, try a real citizenship test, give a speech for a YouTube video about active citizenship and voting rights, read postcards from kids in DC and CA about helping each other to be heard, learn about the importance of representation, paint posters, eat popcorn and cake, and find out what to do when life gives you lemons!

Kid’s Culminating Event

When – Saturday, June 16, 2007, time tbd
Who – 20-30 families or more, with children ages 5-12
What – Kids’ national outreach about Democracy and DC’s limited representation
Where – tbd. San Jose City Hall? Los Gatos town square?
Details – Kids will decide at April meeting. Coordinate with DC kids. Children-initiated signs, slogans, speeches? Press conference, parade, rally, film fest?

Contact

Jane Varner Malhotra, jane@youngsuffragists.org