Nine year old Milo Cress is doesn’t want you to put a straw in his drink, thank you very much. He has learned that 500 million disposable straws are used every day, enough to fill 9,300 school buses. All he wants is for you to ask first if you want a straw for your drink. That simple questions means less waste for the environment, and it saves restaurants money.
I have never once heard a kid use the word “call,” as in “I felt called to help the environment.” On the other hand, quite often I see examples of children like Milo connecting their passion with the needs of the world. As with adults, some kids take action based on their religious convictions, others just want to make the world a better place. Either way, we are the better for their actions.
Scratch below the surface of any kid following their call, and you will usually find a supportive parent or other adult. Adults can affirm children’s gifts; encourage their righteous indignation (kids have lots of that); and help them connect those things to the needs of the world.
Some day Milo wants to be a computer programmer, inventor, physicist or astronaut. Imagine the difference he will make if he is encouraged to follow his call.
Parents, Aunts, Uncles Teachers and Friends: What are you doing to support your children’s call?
To Learn more about Milo’s movement, check out BeStrawFree.org.
With all of the challenges humankind is facing and will face in the future this story of Milo gaves this older adult hope that the upcoming generation will demand solutions and come up with them.
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