ovember 2002

Learning from our Elections

A time for Renewal

          By now we know the winners of our nation's recent elections.  We know whether the Republicans or Democrats have control of the House or the Senate.  We know if Bob Dole's Wife will represent North Carolina and we know if Walter Mondale will find himself back in office. 

          However, do our students know the importance of voting?  Do they understand what an amazing gift it is?  Do they understand that far too many people stay home on Election Day and do not exercise their right to vote?  Do they realize there are millions upon millions of people in the world who would do anything for the opportunity that we as free Americans have to voice our concerns and elect our representation?

          The most disturbing news we will hear on Election night is not the results of who will take their place in Washington, but the number of Americans who did not take the five minutes to head to their nearest polling place and vote.  Some believe there isn't a need for their voice to be heard, that their vote doesn't count.  Some believe that there aren't any candidates worthy of their vote.  Some believe it is just a waste of time.  It is a shame to hear these sentiments.  And student leaders should be the first to dispel these myths.   

          Elections are an excellent time to educate the student body on the importance of their local school elections, their community elections, and most of all their national elections.  Students at St. John Vianney in San Jose, California hold an Election rally to support the local elections.  This introduction to the "real thing" instills the importance of voting at a young age.  One of the purposes of student council is to promote democracy and the easiest way to do this is to mirror our nation's system of democracy in our own school's. 

          Consider holding an informational rally on the day of elections (national or school elections) AND the day after to celebrate the results.  Allow students the opportunity to take on the role of certain elected leaders and learn about what the stand for and plan to do while in office. 

          Hold mock elections to explore how the outcome would be if your school were the nation.  This practice will begin the awareness of the importance of elections.  Once the winners have been announced, track their success in office.  Continue to be aware of what these elected officials are doing as our representatives.  Are they meeting up to the goals they professed while running for office?  Contact their offices and invite them to speak at your school.  While they may say no, it doesn't hurt to try. 

          Another way to promote democracy and educate the student body, is to integrate the curriculum of social studies into that particular time of year.  This is also very helpful when it comes time for your own school-elections.  By learning about the U.S. election process and how it differs or is similar to that of the school, you are able to generate awareness of the importance of your own elections.       

          Then, consider doing the same for the other aspects of their lives: spiritually and their family lives.  These same questions can be adapted to any aspect to their lives.  Have them save these questions in their student council binders for constant self-evaluation.  Print out these questions to use at the end of the year, as well.     

A month of Remembering

November's Quote

The month of November is a special month of remembering our loved ones who have died.  Throughout the month, continue the celebration of remembering our friends, family, and loved ones who are with God.  Here are some ways to memorialize those who are no longer with us...

Plant a fruit tree on the grounds of the school.  This tree will act as a reminder of our departed family members, but it will continue to shed life in the form of fruit.

Hold a Mass of Remembrance.  At offertory bring up a basket containing slips of paper the students have compiled with the names  of those whom they would like to remember.

Decorate the school bulletin
boards with photos the
students bring in of their
departed family members.

If one could only learn to appreciate the little things...
A song that takes you away, for there are those who cannot hear.
The beauty of a sunset, for there are those who cannot see.
The warmth and safety of your home, for there are those who are homeless.
Time spent with good friends for there are those who are lonely.
A walk along the beach for there are those who cannot walk.
The little things are what life is all about.
Search your soul and learn to appreciate.

--Shadi Souferian