10 Little Actions for a Better Culture

Cultural change is the product of all of us taking little steps, one parent and one child at a time

Nate Garvis, father of two young girls and author of the just-released book, Naked Civics:  Strip Away the Politics to Build a Better World, has been deeply saddened the many other violent acts that have occurred this past year including the heartbreaking murders in Sandy Hook.  Hundreds of unspeakable tragedies occur every day in this country.  What can we do – one person at a time and collectively - to create a culture that produces less violence and a more loving world?  Garvis is an avid believer that there is no one solution, there is no one sector, nor one law that can keep us safer.  It will take all of us to produce an overarching culture that weaves us all into a stronger community fabric.  We all have the power to make necessary changes and there are many easy, approachable actions we can take now.

“Cultural change  is the product of all of us taking little steps, one parent and one child at a time.  All of these actions taken together have the potential to make meaningful changes.”  He believes that we need to teach our children to be good citizens who are involved in and care for their communities, which, in turn, will create a better place to live.  “Our world is great, but it can and needs to be made even better – one action at a time.  We need to move past the anger and look forward and work together as a community for the common good.”

Garvis believes that parents should play an active part in teaching children to be good citizens.  Parents are the strongest role models and greatest influencers of young children, who will eventually adopt many of their parent’s behavior.  “Creating good community stewards will not happen by accident.  It is our responsibility to teach our children the true meaning of good character, compassion, integrity and commitment to the community.”  The most essential thing we can do for our children is to help them acquire values and skills that they can rely on and in doing so, giving them the best chance to lead rewarding lives as individuals and integral members of their communities and country.

 

So, What Can Parents and Caregivers do?  Garvis Cites 10 Action Items: 

1. Hug your kids and tell them that their energy and actions have power in their world, both good and bad and encourage them to understand the role of making good choices.
2. Search out entertainment, books, toys and opportunities that build children’s sense of empathy for others.
3. Listen to positive and inspiring music with your kids; talk about the lyrics and their meaning.
4. Be a model for civility as you stand at the sidelines of your kids’ sporting events.
5. Get them involved in civic activities.  Take them with you when you vote, go to community meets and volunteer, if possible.  Get them in the practice of what you practice.
6. Coach, teach, mentor and talk with young people.  It will give you insight and the ability to related better to your own children.
7. Provide strong behavior that can and should be modeled.  Your children are watching you closely just as you did with your own parents.
8. Remember that the person who tells the story shapes the culture.  Tell stories that promote positive and hopeful futures.
9. Help your child resolve conflicts without violence.  Help them see future implications and the value of maintaining good relationships with as many people as possible.
10. Practice acceptable ways of communicating and show your child how to talk to others with respect.

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Contact: Karen Parziale. 360 degrees, 201-222-1309 

Interviews with Nate Garvis, available upon request 

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