Children
in today's families and communities are heirs to a century of extraordinary
technology and astounding scientific achievement. Unfortunately, their
legacy also includes staggering social ills, explosive global politics
and a delicate and deteriorating ecosystem. In addition, many children
bear additional burdens, as they are born to poverty and reared in
debilitating and hostile environments. How can we ensure that these
children and those who follow them will grow up in conditions that
afford them the physical, emotional, and educational benefits that
will enrich their lives and prepare them to be responsible stewards
of our world? How can we build strong families and healthy communities
that allow individuals to realize their potential and become participants
in the ongoing struggle for human justice and positive social change.
The College Park Scholars Advocates
for Children Program involves students in advocacy efforts targeting
a broad range of social, educational, policy, and justice issues affecting
diverse children, families, and communities. Advocacy means taking
an informed position on an issue and then committing to action.
The Advocates program is structured
so that students become informed in areas of personal interest that
relate to children, families, and communities. They then learn to
translate their knowledge into advocacy for social justice and change.
Advocacy involvement includes political lobbying, grassroots organizing,
and service activities in schools and communities.
Advocates for
Children may go on to become psychologists, physicians, attorneys,
teachers, writers, business executives, or public servants. Whatever
their career choices, students' shared experience in Advocates for
Children will provide a greater understanding of their roles in shaping
the future of children, families, and communities.
Children
in today's families and communities are heirs to a century of extraordinary
technology and astounding scientific achievement. Unfortunately, their
legacy also includes staggering social ills, explosive global politics
and a delicate and deteriorating ecosystem. In addition, many children
bear additional burdens, as they are born to poverty and reared in
debilitating and hostile environments. How can we ensure that these
children and those who follow them will grow up in conditions that
afford them the physical, emotional, and educational benefits that
will enrich their lives and prepare them to be responsible stewards
of our world? How can we build strong families and healthy communities
that allow individuals to realize their potential and become participants
in the ongoing struggle for human justice and positive social change.