Children Advocating for Themselves

As I walked into my neighborhood coffee shop yesterday, I saw the Boston Globe sitting face-up on the counter, and this headline grabbed my eye: “Lobbying at Age 8: She Asks Legislators for METCO Funding.” The article focused on Melissa Solomon, a participant in the METCO program. Eight years old, Solomon already is learning to advocate for herself and for other children who need access to educational opportunities. This is a great example of how children can be taught change-making skills, in a way that is relevant to their own lives. (Although it is sad that children need these skills at such a young age, because the government often does not provide basic services for children).