To further inform children about their government and Constitutional rights, the Cobb County Republican Women’s Club (CCRWC) will distribute pocket-sized Constitution booklets to fifth grade students at Cobb County and Marietta schools. The CCRWC does this annually in recognition of national Constitution Day, which is celebrated on Sept. 17. Each booklet contains the full text of the Constitution along with questions and answers so that the students can test each other on their knowledge of the document.
“It is never too early for children to learn about their government; however, it is most appropriate for them to learn at the level they can grasp the information and understand the process connected to the writing of the Constitution,” said Rosan Hall, the Designated Chair for the Barbara Hickey Children’s Fund, Constitution Day.
Since 2005, Barbara Hickey and Millie Rogers have distributed the booklets each year to introduce a fun and interesting way for kids to learn. After receiving approval from the Boards of Education, they began purchasing the booklets each priced at one dollar. To raise the funds required, they began taking donations from the public and local businesses. Soon beforepassing away in 2019, Hickey created a nonprofit at the Cobb Community Foundation where supporters can currently donate to the Barbara Hickey Children’s Fund, Constitution Day.
“In spite of the difficulty dealing with COVID-19, we have successfully filled the teacher’s orders last year and feel confident we will do so again this year,” Hall said.
Prior to the booklets being passed out, teachers from each school make requests for their students to receive them. Donations helped purchase enough booklets to supply approximately 3,000 children. According to Hall, the fundraising has gradually become a year-round commitment.
When asked which of the 27 amendments she favors personally, Hall expressed the difficulty in choosing one over the other. She mentioned the First Amendment covering the freedoms of speech, press, and religion while also providing the right to petition the government.
With funds changing every year, it is always possible that several fifth graders will not receive booklets. They will be dispensed on a “first response basis”. If you are interested in contributing to the Constitution project, please contact Rosan Hall at 770-335-6013.
By Adam Darby
This article originally appeared in the EAST COBBER September/October issue. You can access the digital edition HERE.
