#FreeAmericaWalkout. Free America. Walk Out.
Tomorrow at 2pm, we walk out on fascism.
Since 1986, MLK Day has been observed as a national holiday, encouraging reflections on freedom, community, and healing the ills of racist systems. Talking with children about Martin Luther King Jr. is a must as we seek to embody the values and rights he fought for. If you’re searching for how to do that, our friends at First Conversations are hosting what is sure to be an incredible teach-in called Reclaim MLK With Young Children on Wednesday 1/21/26 at 6:30pm EST. RSVP: bit.ly/Beloved2026.
How else can we take action with our kiddos during these times?
Over the last weeks/months we’ve watched with a mixture of horror and anger as rights and freedoms that have been fought for and won over history are dismantled. It’s been especially striking to witness the escalation of fascist attacks on immigrants by ICE in communities that we hold dear.
Talking with our oldest child about this has been painful and devastating but we’ve found it necessary to help keep him grounded and informed. Our older kids are discussing these attacks with their friends at school so it really is best for us to be their #1 source of factual information.
Tabitha here: I’ve been chin-deep in helping organize the #FreeAmerica Walkouts that will be happening tomorrow, January 20 at 2pm local time. This is part of a huge effort to fight back against fascism and to share our collective outrage. So far, over 730 events are happening across the country (and a handful across the world) with thousands of people confirmed to walk out of work, school and commerce. It’s been exhausting but deeply necessary work as we fight for our freedoms. We’re showing them that the power of the people is unstoppable.
Adam here: We often do organizing work that doesn’t reach this newsletter because of the varying levels of risk for children. While we encourage age-appropriate and kid-appropriate conversations to keep kids informed on a wide range of topics, some social justice actions can be unpredictable and it’s always up to parents to assess the risk of bringing kids along. The #FreeAmerica Walkout is for all ages. It’s an action that is especially great for families because parents can plan walkouts with their kids and communities and design a kid-appropriate action. I’m walking out especially to be in solidarity with the people resisting ICE’s attempted takeover of my hometown of Minneapolis.
Here is some information for you to know about this walkout.
WHAT:
The #FreeAmerica Walkout. Find more information at freeameri.ca.
WHEN:
January 20, 2026, 2pm local time
WHERE:
There are actions in all 50 states and even a few globally. Find one near you here. Don’t see one? You can host your own walkout here. Every person walking/rolling out makes a statement and contributes to the whole impact, even if you have 2-3 people walking out of business as usual.
WHY:
Our families are facing escalating threats all around us, from attacks from ICE, attacks on our trans siblings and children, attacks on education and troops occupying our cities. We cannot allow business as usual. We need to walk out of school, work and commerce to send a clear message that this is a protest and a promise. In the face of fascism, we will dissent.
CONVERSATION POINTERS when talking with younger kids:
“On Tuesday at 2pm, people are walking out of school and work, and pausing shopping to show our power.”
“When we take a step back from how things usually are, we send a strong message.”
“That message is that we won’t stop fighting until all of us are safe and have what we need.”
“It’s important that we take part in this action because we’re a part of our community. Fighting for our safety and the safety of our neighbours is part of what being a community member is all about. When we care about our community, we join with others to make our voices heard.”
RESOURCES when talking with older kids:
During this time, it’s important for us parents to find a balance between helping our kids feel safe and seen, and bringing them into movements whenever and wherever possible. This Tuesday, we’re walking out for the country we want our little ones to inherit. A place where we are all free.
That’s it from us for now. Take good care and love up on your kids, okay?
Tabitha & Adam
This is great. Thank you so nice much
The way you break down age-apropriate organizing is so powerful. I love how you emphasize that being in comunity means showing up for collective safety, not just comfort. Bringing kids into movements while assessing risk is a balance I struggle with constantly, and your conversation starters really help anchor those tough discussions.