Eli and Hudson are two middle schoolers with sharp minds and a deep concern about what is happening around them. They care about society, global warming, energy efficiency, and equity for all. It matters to them how we handle systemic racism and crime or how much fossil fuel we use for even things like solar panels. They want to be challenged in the classroom and have ideas on how to make things better. What if we listened more to children like Eli and Hudson? Could giving them a voice help us address problems and help them feel hope and agency for now and the future?

Its a time we are all grappling with. And for educators, parents, and students there are challenges. But with challenges come opportunities. In a conversation held over zoom, middle schoolers Eli and Hudson share their observations about what is going on in school. They also have opinions about broader more global issues. They would like to have a voice in these matters and hope that leaders would take time to listen to their concerns, ideas, and what they are experiencing - especially now.

In followup to this interview, Eli and Hudson met with the Mayor of Malden, Gary Christenson one week after the interview. The boys asked questions about where the city gets energy; how energy efficient are we being; are we considering reducing use of fossil fuel? They also asked about the status of domestic violence and how the city is dealing with systemic racism. They shared their thoughts about school and what could make it better as well as ideas for what might help the community be more connected.

For details and pictures, visit http://matv.org/culturematters/elandhudson