Children and Agriculture: Opportunities for Safety and Health

A National Action Plan

What Would the Children Expect From Those of Us With the Power to Make Them Safer?

They would expect that...

We would cherish with them the beauty of the American countryside-
The joy they feel on a long walk in the woods or in an open field.
But they would expect us to note that the same open spaces that liberate can also isolate-
So that sometimes their voices are not heard.

They would expect that...

We would work to eliminate the sadness and fatigue that they feel
When they are asked to work too hard, too soon.
But they would also want us to rejoice with them as they experience
The sense of mastery, accomplishments, and contribution that can come From working alongside an adult whom they respect.

They would expect that...

We would be their voice with policymakers when they don't have one-
When their numbers are too small, their homes are too remote,
Their pockets are too empty, or their protection too controversial.

They would expect that...

We would honor the traditions of rural families and communities,
But that we would call them into question when they are incompatible
With the safety and well-being of children. Then they would expect that we would work
With their families and communities to build better, stronger, safer traditions-
Traditions that build as the first priority, the preservation of children, not the preservation of history.

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