When it comes to cultivating good citizenship in your children, actions definitely speak louder than words.
So says Michael Copeland. And he should know.
He’s been mayor of Olathe since April 2001.
But it’s not only Copeland’s experience in public office that has shaped how he and his wife, Maria, teach their children to be caring and involved citizens.
What has influenced him most was growing up in a family that made a priority of serving others.
Now, the couple uses activities associated with Copeland’s position, as well as church and neighborhood involvement, to encourage their children—ages 13, 11 and 5—to make good citizenship a lifestyle.
“They join us at many events, and we try to include them in civic activities so they get a sense of what it means to serve others,” says Copeland, who was first elected to the Olathe City Council in 1993. “Maria is on our HOA board, so our kids have been involved in clean-up days, planning for a new park in our neighborhood and social activities to build community.”
The Copeland children also are active in the political process, putting out yard signs and going with their parents to the polls on election days.
“We have explained what a privilege it is to be able to vote, and we pray for candidates and leaders,” Maria Copeland says. “We all have something to contribute: time, energy, talent. Our kids have learned through church involvement that they have a purpose and ability to serve.”
And their dad knows firsthand the link between dedicated citizens and successful communities.
“The city of Olathe is only able to do many things because of the help we get from citizens,” Copeland says. “Government cannot meet every need, and taxpayers can’t afford for it to meet every need.”
Planting the seeds
For Tom and Kathy Probasco, being good citizens means not only obeying laws, having good morals and values and respecting all people, but also caring for the earth. So the two are teaching their 7-year-old son responsible citizenship through recycling, composting, organic gardening and conserving natural resources.
The Probascos, who adopted their son from Guatemala when he was 13 months old, have planted themselves in their Kansas City, MO, community. And rather than move from their beloved Waldo neighborhood when their son started school, the couple decided to stay and send him to Foreign Language Academy, a Kansas City public magnet school.
“We support our local restaurants and stores, go to local farmers’ markets and support local organizations and school fundraisers,” Kathy Probasco says. “We have helped our neighbors by shoveling snow, making meals, watching children and taking care of their homes and dogs when they are out of town. We welcome new neighbors to our neighborhood.”
The Probascos also donate items to local organizations and encourage their son to give away books and toys he no longer uses.
The political process is important to the couple. So they teach their son by sharing their political views with him, taking him to the polls—not just for major elections but also for local issues—and canvassing for candidates.
Strengthening the roots
Although parents may use different methods for fostering good citizenship in their children, awareness and engagement are at the root of civic responsibility, according to Krista Chugg, who teaches history and government at Heritage Christian Academy’s Olathe campus.
“Good citizens are knowledgeable,” she says. “They are engaged and care about the community they live in and want what’s best for it. They are active and willing to put words into action.”
Chugg says that often the hardest part of getting involved is not in finding a place to help but rather in taking that first step out the front door. However, once families start serving, then it’s difficult not to enjoy it. And their work not only benefits the community, but also enhances their own lives, as the community improves and the seeds of good citizenship start to grow in their children.
“There are opportunities to serve as a family,” Chugg says. “I remember my family doing simple things like volunteering together at a food bank around Thanksgiving.”
Chugg also believes that it’s important to discuss politics with your children and to vote, which keeps power in the hands of the people and holds elected officials accountable.
“It’s good to let your children know about the issues and what’s important in a way that is factual and is interesting but without the rancor,” Chugg says. “It’s more important for your kids to be kind and respectful and to care rather than to want to win an argument.”
And after all, being a good citizen is the key to growing a good citizen.
Melinda Ablard Smith is wife to one model citizen, mother to two budding citizens and owner to three chihuahuas that would be happy to sit in your lap for community service credit. She teaches journalism at MidAmerica Nazarene University.