I got this idea for a Texas Children's Legislature (TCL) many years ago after learning about the Texas Silver Haired Legislature (TSHL), already with an organized presence in 31 states. Imagine that?!
Even though, by definition, the vast majority of TCL participants will not be of voting age, they certainly have a voice and an interest.
At this proposed TCL, children from across the state, from every corner, can convene annually or biennially (our legislature convenes every other year) at our state
capitol here in Austin, Texas, and draft legislation, review bill proposals, as well as current laws
that do and do not serve their interests, needs, or concerns—and that may even be harmful to them. And like the TSHL, they could do this in anticipation of the regular sessions of the Texas State Legislature. And how amazingly powerful an experience this would be for their personal, professional, and intellectual development!
Establishing this could consist of a collaborative effort involving K-12 student organizations working with the non-profit sector, civil rights organizations, university students and faculty who teach and do research in policy-related fields, and any organization concerned about children's welfare, voice, and civic engagement.
Maybe the TSHL could lend a helping hand, too. After all, we need our elders.
Plus, children can reciprocate by weighing in and supporting a Convention on the Rights of Older Persons. #OEWG9 The TSHL can also support the creation of an independent Commissioner for America’s Children and while they are at it, they can also support the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child that the U.S. still has not signed!
Maybe joint TSHL and TCL statements could get written and delivered. Proposals in hand, this could even result in eye-catching, press conferences throughout the state wherever TSHL and TCL members can join together to support a progressive, elder- and child-friendly agenda. Districts could weigh in, too, and regularly send students from all grade levels to participate. These are just ideas...however, the sky is the limit in terms of what we could envision and co-construct.
Do check out the TSHL website on your own to learn what they're about.
Sí se puede! Yes we can!
Angela Valenzuela
#TexasChildrensLege #OlderAdults. http://www.txshl.org @AliciadeJongDav #HealthyAgeing #globalhealth #AgeFriendly #OEWG9 @LWVTexas @LWV #GlobalAgeing #SeniorsRights #Sanctuary4Longevity @UN4Ageing #OEWGA #GlobalAgeing #GlobalHealth #AgeFriendly @NPR @NAHJ #TheChildrenAreWatching
