Celebrate!
Usually in November this page centers on holidays of remembrance, like Day of the Dead and Veteran’s Day, or holidays of thanksgiving, like, well, Thanksgiving. But since November 4th is Election Day in the US, and people are pretty excited about the presidential election, this year our November issue of KidTalk focuses on democracy as well.
Click on a link below to find out more about these holidays and how you can celebrate them.
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We Honor… |
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| Adlai Stevenson, a Unitarian who twice ran for president of the United States, and lost both, but who still made a big impression on the country. Stevenson was very involved in the creation of the United Nations, and then became governor of the state of Illinois in 1948. He did such a good job as governor that the Democratic National Committee asked him to run for president against the Republican candidate Dwight D. Eisenhower. He lost the election, but many people were moved by the intelligence, humor and caring that he showed as he ran for office, and after he lost he got many letters of admiration from people who voted for Eisenhower.
Stevenson ran for president again in 1956, and although he lost, he got more votes than any losing candidate had ever gotten before. In 1961 President Kennedy appointed him ambassador to the United Nations, and he continued the work of his early career, helping countries from all around the world to work together for everyone’s benefit. His Unitarian faith shaped his deep belief in the importance of being open-minded and listening to the point of view of others. He said that “if we really want human brotherhood to spread and increase until it makes life safe and sane, we must also be certain that there is no one true faith or path by which it may spread." He thought that the "basic faith in liberty of conscience . . . is, in fact, our bond of unity with all free men."
You can find out more about Adlai Stevenson and his connection with Unitarianism here. |
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Act!
There isn’t a whole lot of November before Election Day, but remember that democracy is something that happens year-round. Even though kids can’t vote in national elections, you can still share your opinion about who should be elected by wearing a button, making a yard sign, handing out fliers, or simply talking with your friends – both children and adults – about what you think. You can also get involved in the democratic process by running for office at your school or by making a presentation to your school board if there’s an issue at your school that concerns you.
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Nurturing Your Spirit
Gratitude is a spiritual practice in all the religions of the world. Gratitude, saying thank you for the good things of our lives, reminds us that most of what comes to us in life is a gift, something we didn’t earn or create. The sun shines without our help, and while we might weed and water some of the plants which feed us and make our oxygen, we can’t actually make them grow. People near and far help and support us, whether it’s a friend who helps with homework, a parent who shops for food or a police officer who works to keep your city safe.
Either by yourself with a paper and pencil or out loud with a friend or family member, see how many things you can think of that you’re thankful for in five minutes. If you can keep listing things for five minutes, try going another round and seeing how many more things you can think of that you’re grateful for in another five minutes. If you do make a list, you might want to hang it on your refrigerator or in your room as a reminder to keep practicing the spiritual discipline of gratitude all year long. |
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Principles in Practice
If we’re talking about Election Day, it’s pretty much a no-brainer that the UU principle which goes with our topic is our fifth principle: “The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.” In other words, UUs think that everyone should be free to express what they think is true and right, and that people deserve to have a vote in decisions that affect them. The REsources column in this month’s issue of Quest is all about just this topic. Have a look here!
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