ABSTRACT
Young children are often interested in how their parents vote in a voting booth or get involved in activities such as marches or rallies. Changing systems that have been in existence for hundreds of years and have roots firmly entrenched in the political, social, and economic topography of the United States is no easy feat. Actualizing the concepts of grit, resilience, and motivation in educational settings is one act of advocacy that teachers and children may engage in every day. The human desire for connection is strong, and the act of developing trust can take time. Tending to early childhood educators' social and emotional learning is therefore a critical aspect of advocating for children. Families are more confident advocating for issues that matter to them when they perceive themselves as strong and valued members of the community. For teachers of young children, sometimes the most important action can be to simply slow down and demonstrate compassion or close listening.
