\ Page 18 RAIN March/April 1985 ment. Numerous resources and curricula developed by them and other nuclear education groups are available for classroom use through them. Children's Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament 14 Everit Street New Haven, CT 06511 An inspiring example of children's · empowerment through action, the Children's Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CCND) is an anti-nuke group entirely organized; planned, and run-by children. Over 70 local CCND groups.in the U.S. and Europe are working for disarmament through pe_ace walks, rallies, and letter-writing campaigns. In October of 1981 thirty children involved with CCND stood outside the White· House fence reading 2832 letters they had collected from other children opposed to the arms race. Impressive. These kids have already outdone most adults. FROM: Watermelons Not War! The Ground Zero Pairing Project PO Box 19049 . Portland, OR 97219 Ask children (and adults for that matter) to describe what Russians are like; answers will probably vary from a neutral "I don't know" to a hostile picture of warloving monsters. It has often been said someone cannot be an enemy unless they are dehumanized in some way. Unfortunately, the majority of us probably will never meet a Russian citizen. The Ground Zero Pairing Project is trying to bridge this gap by linking American cities with Soviet counterparts. So far, over 1,500 U.S. cities have sent packages containing items such as gre~tings from local officials and residents, a . copy of the local newspaper, and picture postcards. It seems to be working: over 40 Russian cities have replied. A similar effort is now being encouraged for schools. The Pairing Project facilitates these , exchanges by providing contacts in the U.S.S.R. and providing tips for surmounting bureaucratic and cultural barriers. Children can write letters in elementary Russian using a unique jigsaw of Russian words and phrases provided. By cutting and pasting the vocabulary and sentence elements given, a child.with no knowledge of Russian can communicate with a Soviet friend. The Pairing Project has also developed an excellent selection of educational material, including curriculum packages on nuclear war, arms control, Russian culture and role playing games dealing with arms negotiations and international crisis. Overall, an excellent nonpartisan resource for exposing children to the problem of the arms race and the humanness of the Russian people. In the Nuclear Shadow: What Can the 1 Children Tell Us?, produced by Vivienne Verdon-Roe, Eric Thiermann, a~q Ian Thiermann, 1983, 25 minutes, 16mm or 3/ 4 inch videocassette, color, inquire about rental or purchase from: · · · ·. Educational Film and v·ideo Project 1725 B Seabright Avenue Santa Cruz, CA 95062 This documentary film consists mainly of unrehearsed interviews with 27 different children, ages 6-18, expres:;ing their fears and hopes about the arms race. As one,of the first major studies on.the p~ychosocial effects of the threat of nuclear cj.estruction on young people, much is revealed. Most children know much more about nuclear issues th~n many adults assume, and express relief at being able to discuss their fears openly. Overall, the film has a positive message: children feel better when actively involved in a solution. As one 10-yearold interviewed put it, "Kids can do alot. They can write letters, talk to people about the subject, tell people their feelings." In the Nuclear Shadow has won first place at three major film and vide9 festivals and was an Oscar nominee for best short documentary of 1983. Need more be said? , ' • r Suggestions for Talking to Chil,dren About Nuclear War DISCUSSION Cultivate an open atmosphere for discussion. Children become cynical, believe their parents don't care, ·or think the topic of nuclear war, like sex, is taboo when not talked about·at home. AGE APPROPRIATENESS Don't overwhelm young children with scary facts about nuclear war. Many times general discussions of feelings and active listening are all that is needed. CONNECTEDNESS. Nuclear war is not an isolated topic. Explore with children their use of violence to settle interpersonal conflicts, their perceptions of Russian citizens as people, and other topics that involve them on a personal level but also reflect the societal values that perpetuate the arms race. EMPOWERMENT Children (and adults too) feel empowered in the face of the nuclear problem when actively involved irt a solution. Encourage kids to write or call the president, write about or draw a picture of peace, or go to a peace !ally with you. EDUCATION Support the development of curricu.- lum on nuclear war in your local school. Also, educate yourself. You'll feel better informed and be able to answer your children's questions inte~ligently. -BB '
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc4NTAz