resources to talk about current events

Generation SERVE is on a mission to create a generation of empathetic community-minded leaders. Through our volunteer activities we are often the catalyst for families to begin important conversations. But even when we aren’t, we want to be a resource for parents and families to begin their research so that conversations around the dinner table can be meaningful, clear, and informative.

Common Sense Media, Kids Peace, Learning to Give, The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, and Sandy Hook Promise are national programs organized to help parents, teachers, and anyone caring for children understand school violence, among other violent tragedies. All of the resources provided emphasize meeting your child where they are when deciding how to address trauma as a family. 

How to talk to young children:

• Avoid watching news stories that may scare them 
• Only bring it up if you suspect the child has an awareness
• ​If the child has an awareness reaffirm your responsibility as a parent to keep them safe
• Listen
• ​Keep answers short so not to over complicate the conversation

How to talk to your older children:

• Meet your child where they are
• Listen to what they think they know
• ​Gently dispel misinformation
• Reiterate your responsibility to keep them safe
• Be honest and when you do not have the answers say so
• Offer hope and model community-mindedness

Looking to be part of the solution? The following are non-profit partners in Austin that Generation SERVE volunteers support in their efforts to end domestic violence, educate around the impact of bullying, and support the needs of refugees. 

Hope Alliance
One Million Stars of Texas
Refugee Services of Texas
The SAFE Alliance
Texas Advocacy Project, Inc.

We are working to improve our resources. What service area would you like to learn about next? Leave us a comment and let us know.