Families and children are welcome and encouraged to join us on the march. Please come prepared to assist and supervise your child on the march. It is a good idea to help prepare children for this experience by developing a walking routine to build up endurance and talk with them about why you are marching and some of the challenges, emotional and physical they will face. Kid companions will be marching with us and excited to interact with children on the march and offer support and resources.
There will be a kid collective space each evening with a group of excited educators and experienced kid companions, volunteering to spend time with children, free of charge. We will be providing childcare and fun for the very small and fun and educational activities for older children. Evening kids’ activities will include crafts, games, playtime and stories.
Parents will be responsible for supervising children throughout the march and during these culminating events, and be aware of the inherent dangers of the event and the precautions we are taking to minimize those risks. Please read our safety statement here.
Parents should be aware that some of the march route will be headed through unfriendly territory. We expect counter protesters.
If you are interested in volunteering with the kid collective planning team please contact: Bonnie Swinford at bswinford1@yahoo.com or 865-755-0095.
We’re so glad your family will be part of the Appalachia Rising: March on Blair Mountain and so glad you’re bringing your children along to be part of this historic event!