We know children have their own ideas about the world, and we honor them as an integral part of this political process. The USSF is also committed to ensuring that parents can participate in workshops, events, and more knowing that their children are fully incorporated into the Social Forum process in meaningful ways. Both sites will be safely set up in Cobo Hall with convenient access for parents/guardians. Youth ages 13 & 14 are invited to volunteer as aides in the childcare space.

Date/Time Title Description
Tue. 9:00am CSF - Registration

Children will be checked in and then divided into colored coded groups by age. Each small group will have up to 15 children. The groups will remain intact throughout the week and be assigned to one teacher who will oversee the group throughout the day. Teaching staff includes veteran or retired teachers as well as a few young teachers. Younger teachers are paired with veteran teachers as well as a class assistant to facilitate bathroom breaks and other tasks. Retired teacher and Children's Social Forum coordinator, Ange Smith will be on hand to oversee the classes and all activities.
Tue. 10:00am CSF - Assembly

Children will begin to learn a song written especially for the Detroit USSF by a local veteran teacher, artist and singer, Ange Smith. Each day after the song is sang, children will engage in a “git down dance” with the larger group to energize them for the day.
Tue. 10:30am CSF - Planned Activities

Children will rotate through 3 activities in smaller groups. Activities will be conducted in 45 minute increments.

  • Making Your Personal Shield – Kendra Bostick, MSW
  • Theater Games – University of Michigan Prison Theater Group
  • Creating electronic Music – Jeff Sturgis, local artist and teacher
Tue. 12:30pm CSF - Clean-Up
Tue. 1:00pm CSF - Parent Pick up
Wed. 9:00am CSF - Registration and quiet activities

Children will be checked in and then divided into colored coded groups by age. Each small group will have up to 15 children. The groups will remain intact throughout the week and be assigned to one teacher who will oversee the group throughout the day. Teaching staff includes veteran or retired teachers as well as a few young teachers. Younger teachers are paired with veteran teachers as well as a class assistant to facilitate bathroom breaks and other tasks. Retired teacher and Children's Social Forum coordinator, Ange Smith will be on hand to oversee the classes and all activities.
Wed. 10:00am CSF - Assembly
Wed. 10:30am CSF - Themed Activities

THEME: Detroit's Connection to the U.S.

Children will rotate through two activities in small groups:

  • Core lessons taught by experienced teachers on Detroit's Connection To the U.S.
  • Art projects focused on social justice by Vistas Nuevas
Wed. 12:30pm CSF - Lunch
Wed. 2:00pm CSF - Action Activities
  • Joe Reilly, Elizabeth Jones and friends will engage students with Native American songs and storytelling.