Weekly Programs

Democracy Days supports a small gathering of kids from ages 7-14 in Philadelphia’s Awbury Arboretum on Fridays. And a newer gathering on Wednesdays in the Lehigh Valley.

The program began in Spring 2023. Since then the kids have grown in their confidence managing their group.

They elect a leader for a month to run the morning meeting. That person sets an agenda and makes sure all voices are heard. During the morning meeting suggestions are made for activities for the day and into the future. If there is research needed to arrange logistics small committees may form and report back to the group as a whole.

Another leader is elected to be task manager. That person insures that all the tasks required for caring for the physical space indoors and outdoors are done by the kids on a rotating basis.

At the end of the Spring term votes were taken on the length of the program, its size, the facilitators, field trips etc.

Membership is on a rolling basis and costs are limited to rent and fees for any field trips.

Most parents drop their kids off and are asked to be on site once every 5/6 weeks. Some families with younger siblings stick around and enjoy the beautiful campus. A few parents offer and organize activities for the young people.

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