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Caring About Animals and the Environment
By Karen Lee
I was formerly involved in a social justice group
for adults, but left the group to focus on being more available to my kids
on their unschooling journey. I strew before my children the various opportunities
I am aware of, without any expectation that they participate. Any time a
suggestion has had anything to do with social justice or animal welfare,
my youngest, Molly, now twelve, has taken me up on the offer without hesitation.
She shares my passion for social justice and the environment and often zealously
leads the way, with me running to keep up!
Molly’s primary passion is for animal welfare, although
she also cares deeply about the state of the planet and social justice for
the poor and underprivileged, including asylum seekers. She loves to go
in street marches and has so far participated in marches against coal seam
gas, against the establishment of a fourth coal terminal in the city we
used to live in, and for the better treatment of refugees in Australia.
She is always very disappointed if she discovers that we have missed an
opportunity to participate in a march, so I try to keep up to date with
opportunities for her.
She has also done the 40 Hour Famine twice, and undertaken
fundraising for the RSPCA (Australia's Royal Society for the Prevention
of Cruelty to Animals) through their Cupcake Day and Million Paws Walk.
Molly gets very upset about animal slaughter or mistreatment, so driving
past a truck laden with animals on their way to the abattoir causes her
much anguish. She is contemplating making some signs to leave in the car,
saying “Friend not Food” or “Be Kind to Animals” that she can hold up to
the window as we drive past!
Her passion for animal welfare started a long time
ago. When she was nine, she started a Weebly site about helping animals.
She is now a member of Animal Liberation Victoria. We were privileged to
be able to meet the founder at a screening of the new documentary, Cowspiracy.
The purpose of our activities is to make a difference in the world, to serve
the community, to put our compassion and empathy into action. There is a
wealth of learning that happens as a wonderful byproduct, though! I think
the most amazing benefit of all is that Molly is realizing she has a voice
and really can make a difference in the world. She is realizing that she
doesn't have to stay silent and do nothing, that she can turn her passion
into action. She continues to learn so much about this planet, its people
and animals, and about the value of her place on this earth. She is learning
that frustration builds when nothing is done about things that anger her,
and that a sense of accomplishment and value build when she takes action.
She has also been privileged to meet some amazingly inspirational people.
My advice to other families is: Do it! Life is richer
and more wonderful when shared with others.
Learn More
www.unshackled.me/category/activism
http://helpingouranimals.weebly.com/about-me.html
Read other articles about unschoolers and community engagement
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