A Qualitative Exploration of Children’s Civic Development in the Context of an Intergenerational Leadership Initiative

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Abstract

This paper presents findings from the qualitative portion of a 4-year study on a community-based civic leadership program for parents/caregivers and their children, ages 3-12: the Children’s Leadership Training Institute (CLTI) and the Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI). Drawing on embodied civics and empowerment theory, we completed 15 family interviews, 14 program observations, a CLTI teacher focus group, 4 CLTI junior teacher interviews, and 8 CLTI and PLTI alum focus groups. CLTI and PLTI participants advocate for themselves and others, share a collective civic development experience, and learn skills such as public speaking and knowledge of social change. Intergenerational leadership programs should be expanded and studied for future research on families and civic development.

Authors

• Wendy Y. Perez, NYU Metro Center

• Joanna D. Geller, New York University

• Lisette DeSouza, NYU Metro Center

• Arianna Jackson, Fordham University

• Wendy de los Reyes, Claremont University - Claremont McKenna College