Kids Rally for DC Democracy at White House, June 16, 2006

For more information contact: James Jones, Communications Director
202.462.6000 x12 office / 202.557.4864 mobile / jjones@dcvote.org

June 15, 2006

Washington, DC - The DC Young Suffragists will hold a kids' rally in Lafayette Park opposite the White House on Friday, June 16, from 9:00 -10:30 AM, calling for full democratic rights for residents of DC. Boys and girls ages 4-12 have planned the program to include a tea party, kids' speeches, and parading.

"We're having a rally so that more people will know that DC doesn't have senators," said Hannah Smulson, a 2nd grader at Janney Elementary in DC. "Other kids should come so they can help DC get senators and dress up crazy, march around, and eat snacks."

A Park Ranger will meet with the children at 9:15 AM to talk about First Amendment rights, rules and regulations for public gatherings, and the history of protests in Lafayette Park. Teaism has donated snacks and drinks for the event.

"We hope that soon pro-democracy efforts worldwide will take hold here in the capital of the United States," explained parent supporter Jane Varner Malhotra. "These youngsters get it. We hope the President will, too."

Founded in 2003, the DC Young Suffragists include a growing number of children from DC and beyond. This rally is the culmination of another eventful year of hands-on family workshops and fun field trips, designed to develop an appreciation of the privileges and responsibilities of democratic citizenship.

The DC Young Suffragists have worked hard to prepare for the rally. They applied for the park permit, decorated their t-shirts, and wrote their own slogans, speeches, and songs. They have learned first-hand about the great achievements of the women suffragists, the founding of Washington, the unusual status of DC residents, the duties of the US Congress, the governments of India, Australia and Belgium, the history of marching on Washington, how the media conveys a message, and the role of the Park Service in protecting first amendment rights to assemble and speak freely. They conducted their own letter-writing campaign to friends and family in other states, and distributed valentines to US Senators asking them to "Be Mine."

They plan to have full democratic rights for DC by the time the oldest original member is 18, in 2012.

CONTACT: Jane Varner Malhotra
202.276.4516
youngsuffragists@gmail.com
www.youngsuffragists.org

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