This post is sponsored by Clean Air Moms Action. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
My daughter’s second grade class is doing a unit on elections this week. Of course, they’re not voting on the real candidates or issues, but instead they’ve created their own parties and nominees, drawn up campaign ads with slogans, and scheduled their own mock election next week. The teachers are trying to make the process as official as possible, right down to the campaigning distances to the polling place and Electoral College. It’s impressive to say the very least, and designed to teach a bigger lesson that everyone has a role to play on election day.
Earlier this week I visited her classroom to help prepare for their election and was thrilled to see the kids so excited about democracy and the voting process. Because the reality is, my kids are my reason for voting. This year there are so many important issues on the ballot that will have an impact on my family long after November 8.
At the very top of my list of concerns is my children’s health. You see, my oldest daughter is a moderate to severe asthmatic. The air she my other two children breathe is very important to me, and that’s why I vote for those who will address air pollution, climate change, and toxic chemicals.
Right now in Florida we’re dealing with serious pollution issues. Our waterways are being destroyed by dumping and air pollution is making our kids sick and contributing to rising temperatures, extreme weather, dramatic flooding, and disruptions in the food supply. It’s time to stop fighting about party affiliations and start seeking solutions, on both sides of the aisle. Solutions that involve pushing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state governments to cut carbon and methane emissions, promote cleaner energy sources, and crack down on companies that pollute our air, water, and soil.
Clean Air Moms Action advocates just that – cleaner air for our kids, addressing climate change and it’s impacts, and stronger safeguards when it comes to toxic chemicals.
When you stop and think about it, it’s simple. Every child deserves the right to clean air and clean water. We must work together to ensure we elect leaders who put our children’s health first.
Parents are a powerful force when it comes to voting. Our votes can and will make a difference on November 8th. Just like my daughter’s class and their mock election, we have a role in this election.
So how can you get involved? Make a commitment to vote. Yes, it’s that easy. If you’re schedule is anything like mine, it can be hard to find time, but it’s worth it to make a change that will affect your kids for years to come. Once you’ve voted, share that you voted on social media to encourage your friends and family to get out and vote too. Want to get more involved? Become an advocate! Clean Air Moms has lots of ways that you can become an advocate from the comfort of your own home. Learn more here.
This election season I refuse to let my child’s health be voted away. My children’s health will be on my mind as I enter the voting booth and while I vote. I’m voting with Clean Air Moms Action and for little lungs on November 8th.
To learn more about Clean Air Moms Action visit their website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, then follow the conversation at #CleanAirMomsVote.
