Twelve year old Lena Anderson may be new to Erath County, but she’s already making strides to encourage civic engagement and patriotism with area youth.
Lena and her family recently relocated to the county from Iowa and she is starting a nonpartisan, civic education group called Young Patriots of America. At 10 years old, she was the youngest person in Iowa to pass the U.S. Civics test.
The organization’s first meeting is at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 1 at the American Legion in Stephenville, and meetings will be held the first Thursday of each month. There are a limited number of spots left in the organization.
“I felt like there was a lack of patriotism and a lack of young people interested in this country,” she said. “I wanted to create this group really to inspire the younger generations to have more interest in this country, and to let those who do have that interest know that it’s OK and they should continue having that interest.”
The organization will be divided into three age groups: Red group (13-18 years old), White group (9-12 years old), and Blue group (5-8 years old).
As part of the group, members will have monthly meetings, take on community service projects, learn about U.S. history and government (Patriotic hours) and honor those who have served in the military.
“I’m trying to show pride for this country and community togetherness. On social media seeing how many people hate this country without even knowing about it, knowing its history and stuff ... they blindly hate it. I think it’s important to show them,” Lena said.
Though the group is educational and civic oriented, the young patriot says meetings are geared to be fun as well.
“We don’t just want it to be another classroom lesson,” she said.
At the first meeting, for example, attendees will be making red, white and blue flower pots for Mother’s Day presents.
In Iowa, the group safely supported the right to bear arms and educated participants on a ‘well regulated militia’ in the 2nd Amendment with a water gun fight.
Lena is supported by her mom, Heather, her dad and siblings, who all really like Texas so far, especially the food and the lack of humidity. The family relocated to the area due to work.
As part of the nonpartisan aspect of the group, voting will be discussed but not individual candidates, Heather said.
“We definitely will be discussing the importance of voting and how voting works, but not any candidates,” she said.
The group will also talk about U.S. History including some topics like should Independence Day actually be on July 2 or July 4? (John Adams thought it should be on July 2 because that’s when everything was decided, but the Declaration of Independence wasn’t signed until July 4).
Other fun facts like Benjamin Franklin’s use of electricity to cook a turkey are also part of the group as well as amendments, the Bill of Rights etc.
Community service for Patriotic Hours is part of the organization.
In Iowa, the organization partners with Daughters of the American Revolution, Scouting America, Amvets and more to complete community service and are hoping to help with projects for Revitalize Dublin in the future.
Membership fee to join the group is $40 biannually which will help cover the cost of educational activities, patriotic prizes and gear and meetup room rentals.
“We don’t want the cost to deter anyone so sponsors are available to help with the membership if needed,” Heather said.
For more information about the group go to youngpatriotsofamerica. com, search for them on Facebook or text 254-9790010.