Kid Town Meeting FAQ
Recognizing that for hundreds of years Stow’s legislative branch, Town Meeting, has seen considerable improvements, there is one area that could be enhanced: the presence of more caregivers of small children at Town Meeting. We will adapt and implement an existing curriculum for children aged 4 to 11 to explore and participate in the voting process, and promote engagement through art and games, while parents and caregivers participate in the adults-only Town Meeting. Kid Town Meeting provides a creative solution to contemporary barriers by providing an opportunity for civic engagement of all eligible adults in the community, while simultaneously educating and engaging the next generation of voters in an age-appropriate and fun way.
We will host the program in the same building as Town Meeting, using a town-provided space, staffed by approved non-resident adult professionals, teenaged residents, and volunteer adult residents who are ineligible to vote.
Who may attend Kid Town Meeting?
Children of registered Stow voters ages 4 and up are invited to attend Kid Town Meeting.
What is the cost of participation?
There is no cost for children to attend Kid Town Meeting.
We are so grateful for donations to cover the cost of materials, insurance, and payment for our instructors and assistants. Any funds left over will be used to cover the next Kid Town Meeting. If you would like to contribute to this cause, please email stowtownmeeting@gmail.com or visit our donation page.
Why do we need Kid Town Meeting?
Town Meeting is not just a legislative process in the Massachusetts government, but a cultural foundation for our communities. The Founding Fathers wanted local government to be legislated by registered voters who, 250 years ago, were only land-owning men; Kid Town Meeting helps to incorporate women (and all voters) into the process. A civic engagement program for children that runs simultaneously to Town Meeting builds a sense of responsibility and pride in our children, encouraging them to be active citizens in their community. Engaged residents, whether children or adults, contribute their time and energy to the town, bring thoughtful solutions to local issues, and enrich the fabric of our community.
Who are the adults in charge of Kids Town Meeting? Who are the helpers?
In 2023, we secured a grant from the Stow Cultural Council and sponsorship from other generous donors to pay adults (and some childminders) to teach the curriculum and supervise childminders under the age of 18. The adult teachers for Kid Town Meeting will be experienced teachers familiar with the curriculum.
Can you tell us how this is different from efforts made by families at the 2022 Stow Town Meeting?
In 2022, a group of parents devoted to encouraging community involvement blocked off spaces in the Hale Middle School parking lot and brought tents, tables, snacks, games, and art supplies for kids. We had 40 kids participating in our outdoor unofficial meeting. This community-led initiative is the basis for Kid Town Meeting.
At the 2023 Town Meeting, Stow's Town Administrator graciously offered classroom space and use of the gym at Hale for Kid Town Meeting, and we utilized existing curriculums to teach kids about voting and the Town Meeting process while offering art and games as an alternative to the curriculum. The children helped the Town Moderator open the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance, and also helped him close the meeting.