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Go Ask City Hall!
(1 hour)
Students propose a park improvement or a similar youth-centered plan of action and walk through the processes of democracy and governance.
Maps of the community; markers, pens and paper; letter writing materials
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Obtain a map of the community from a source such as the Chamber of Commerce.
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Obtain a map (or create one) of the neighborhood immediately surrounding the school.
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Gather markers, pens, and paper.
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Divide your students into groups of four.
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Distribute the copy of the community map to each group.
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Ask each group of students to imagine they are walking around the different areas featured on the map. Say, What features of the town could be improved for the children living there? (Ex. creating a new library, a new park, a new playground, etc.) Each group should discuss some possibilities and then design and illustrate a project idea for a part of the community.
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After the students present their responses, give each group a copy of the map of the school's immediate neighborhood.
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Say, Let's look at our school's neighborhood. What is one small improvement in this part of town that could help children? (Emphasize the importance of choosing a smaller project, like a new piece of playground equipment in a park or a street sign close to school.)
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Have each group suggest improvements for the area around the school.
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Vote: Which is the best idea presented to improve the school's neighborhood?
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Find out how much your improvement will cost the city by pricing the materials that are going to be installed. (Call the manufacturers of the equipment for a quote or call the city for an estimate.)
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Call City Hall and ask which office or board makes decisions in the area of your improvement. It might be the Library Department, Parks and Recreation, Public Works, etc.
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Have students write a letter (using proper letter format) to present the idea with a budget to the proper authorities.
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How would your community pay for the improvement you suggested?
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Do you think the fact that you are students will help or hinder the implementation of your idea? Would you have a better chance of having your thoughts heard if you were of voting age? Why or why not?
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What are other ways students can impact their communities?
Find out when your City Council or a public board meets. Encourage students and parents to attend such a meeting together. Ask those who attend to report about one proposal they observed at the meeting.
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