Youth, Democracy, & Participation
Fall 1998, v.14-3
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Focus on Child Labor		Young Citizens: The Landmark Achievements of Brazil's Social Movement for Children's Rights by Caius Brandão During the aftermath of the military regime in the '80s, Brazilian society came to grips with the poverty and violence its children had fallen victim to. This is the remarkable story of how the National Movement of Street Boys and Girls in Brazil organized, fought for their rights, and ultimately provided a model for street youth in the United States.
Welcome to New Designs' Focus section. We are pleased to launch this new area with a look at child labor, and in particular, the life and work of Iqbal Masih. Each quarter we will choose a new Focus subject, which will draw from articles in the current issue as well as from the New Designs archives.
Cover Story
Contents--> (Short Version) Articles
Educating for Democracy: Overcoming a Culture of Powerlessness Francis Moore Lappé Research shows that power is "a dirty word, associated with corruption, manipulation, and control." In this article the author rethinks the meaning of power and demonstrates how, by building effective public relationships, students and educators alike can change their environments and trancend the culture of powerlessness. The Kids Online March Against Child Labor John Terry, Donna Woonteiler According to the kids at the Broad Meadows Middle School, we must learn from the past to make things better for the future. And by the looks of it, these students have taken a huge step in that direction. Meagan Donoghue, Elizabeth Bloomer, and teacher Ron Adams describe how their online campaign to end child labor culminated at a UN-sponsored international conference in Geneva. Challenging the Norms: Democracy, Empowering Education, and Negotiating the Curriculum Joshua Sean Thomases Democracy happens only when the participants understand the issues and can further their agenda through public debate. This process begins in the classroom. By suggesting real-life activities, offering educational guidelines, and defining the role of facilitators, the author explores the principles and challenges of implementing a democratic classroom. The Voices of Children and Youth in the Democratic Process Irene Fassler We need young people to participate in the decision making processes that relate to their lives. But despite ongoing research and periodic federal initiatives, children and youth remain a disadvantaged population. In this article the author examines youth participation from an historical perspective, considers their current status, and outlines what you can do to help.
Columns
Spotlight on Youth Help Us Help the Children Craig Keilburger In this article the 16-year old founder of Free the Children describes how you can help stop child labor and the exploitation of workers in Third World countries. Research and Practice: Completing the Circle: The Civic Components of Community Youth Development Joseph Kahne, Meredith Honig, Milbrey W. McLaughlin In this issue's offering, the authors research community development strategies that help develop the capacities and commitment for civic participation. Children's Express Rocking the Community Josh Kretman, LaShuan Littlejohn, Christopher Glascoe Rock the Vote is a non-profit organization that works for voter registration, encourages civic participation, and fights censorship. View From the Hill Youth and Adults: Partners in Policy Change Miriam Rollin In our first View From the Hill Column, National Network for Youth Public Policy Director Miriam Rollin shows how alert action, dedication, and follow-through can affect policy decisions and make a difference.
National Network for Youth
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